Featured image by Liberian Boxers (Grace Fahnbulleh, Freddy Kiwitt, and Jeroson Garduward)
Liberian boxers Grace Fahnbulleh, Freddy Kiwitt, and Jeroson Garduward are set to compete at the 2024 Boxing 2nd World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand from 23 May to 3 June, with hopes of qualifying for Paris 2024.
Qualification pathway
With the Road to Paris 2024 winding down, members of Liberia’s National Boxing Team traveled to Thailand for their last chance to qualify for the Olympic Games. This critical event is the second and final world qualification tournament.
Overall, 51 out of 248 quotas remain across 13 weight classes with an equal quota of 124 between men and women. Paris already has 188 quota places confirmed. With a limited number of quota spots available, bouts will be fought under single eliminations.
Who to watch
In March, 13th African Games bronze medalist, Grace Fahnbulleh made history in Ghana after becoming the first Liberian boxer from the senior national team to win an African Games medal. She will vie for one of four quotas in the 50kg women’s weight category in Thailand.
If she qualifies for Paris 2024, Fahnbulleh will, once again, etch her name in Liberian boxing history. She will be the first woman to ever represent Liberia in boxing at the Olympics.
This is Fahnbulleh’s second attempt at qualifying since the Paris 2024 Africa Qualifier in Dakar, Senegal last year.
Professional fighter, Freddy Kiwitt (71kg), who has competed and won many pro titles, has made the necessary adjustments to represent Liberia at the amateur level. While newcomer, Jeroson Garduward (57kg), maintains his optimism in his preparation for Thailand.
Kiwitt and Garduward have not attended any other qualification match, besides this tournament in Bangkok.
| Women | Men |
| 50kg – 4 quotas | 51kg – 4 quotas |
| 54kg – 4 quotas | 57kg – 3 quotas |
| 57kg – 4 quotas | 63.5kg – 5 quotas |
| 60kg – 3 quotas | 71kg – 5 quotas |
| 66kg – 3 quotas | 80kg – 3 quotas |
| 75kg – 4 quotas | 92kg – 4 quotas |
| +92kg – 4 quotas |
*bold indicates the weight category of Liberia’s boxers
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Liberia boxing at the Olympics
Liberia’s boxing debut at the 1988 Seoul Games included four members: Sammy Stewart, Thomas Stephens, Tommy Gbay, and Simeon Stubblefield. Although Liberia did not medal at the ’88 Olympics, Sammy Stewart made it to the round of 16 before being eliminated by decision.
Success in Bangkok would be a personal triumph for the three boxers and a proud moment for Liberia, yet again.
How to watch
The official draw takes place on Friday 24 May and sessions begin on Saturday 25 May. All bouts are being held at Hua Mak Indoor Stadium.
Olympics.com will stream all matches. Check back for bout times and updates.