Ukrainian boxer Yevangelina Petruk secured a key victory in the quarterfinals of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, advancing to the tournament semifinals in the 57 kg weight class. In the decisive bout for a spot in the top 4, the Ukrainian defeated Algerian representative Besmi Bahri by a 3:2 split decision. This result automatically guarantees Petruk at least a bronze medal, as both losers of the semifinals receive bronze medals in boxing.
A turning point: from trailing to a confident victory
The course of the quarterfinal meeting was not simple for the Ukrainian. After the first round, Petruk was trailing her opponent, which created a serious risk for the further development of the bout. However, in the next two rounds, Yevangelina completely turned the fight around: she outboxed Bahri, demonstrating more accurate attacks and effective defense. The judges awarded two rounds to the Ukrainian and one to the Algerian, resulting in a 3:2 split decision in favor of Petruk.
Historical significance for Ukrainian boxing
Reaching the semifinals has special significance in the context of Ukrainian boxing history at the Youth Olympic Games. Before this tournament, Ukraine had never won a medal in the girls' boxing event. Thus, regardless of the semifinal outcome, Yevangelina Petruk has already made history as the first Ukrainian athlete to stand on the podium in this discipline at the junior Olympic level.
Semifinal: opponent from Kazakhstan
In the semifinal bout, Petruk will meet Kazakhstan's Aknur Tursyngali. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2026. A victory in this fight will send the Ukrainian to the final of the Youth Olympics, where she will face an opponent determined by the results of the other semifinal. Thus, Petruk has a real opportunity to fight for the gold medal and become the first Ukrainian champion in girls' boxing at the Youth Olympic Games.
Context: Dakar-2026 and the Ukrainian delegation
The 2026 Youth Olympic Games are held in Dakar (Senegal) and represent one of the largest international sporting events for athletes under 18. The Ukrainian delegation is represented in several sports. It was previously reported that a Ukrainian had already won a bronze medal in beach wrestling, making Petruk’s performance in boxing the second medal achievement for the country at these Games. Photos from the competitions show Petruk in the branded pink uniform of the Ukrainian Olympic team with the NOC of Ukraine logo and Olympic rings, as well as an participant badge with a collection of Dakar-2026 pins.
