Félix Savon
(IOC)
Updated: 2007-07-26 09:49
Sydney, 26 September 2000, Games of the XXVII Olympiad. Men's boxing: Felix SAVON of Cuba (left) in action during his victory over Michael BENNETT of the United States in the heavyweight quarterfinal bout held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour. Credit: Getty Images/BELLO Al
Other names: SAVON FABRE, Felix
Born: 22 September 1967
Birthplace: San Vicente (Cuba)
Nationality: Cuba
Sport: Boxing
ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES
Barcelona 1992
Atlanta 1996
Sydney 2000
AWARDS
Olympic medals:
Gold: 3
Other results:
World Championships
Gold: 6 (86, 89, 91, 93, 95, 97)
Silver: 1 (99)
Three-Time Heavyweight Boxing Champion
Félix Savon dominated amateur boxing's heavyweight division for fourteen years, beginning in 1986, when he won his first world championship. Unfortunately, he was unable to take part in the 1988 Olympics because his nation, Cuba, boycotted the Seoul Games. Savon did fight in the 1992 Olympics. In the quarterfinals, he faced an unexpected obstacle: Danell Nicholson of the United States. Savon was forced to come from behind in the last round to win 13-11. The rest of his bouts were easy, and culminated in a 14-1 victory in the final over David Izonritel of Nigeria. Savon was not seriously challenged at the 1996 Olympics, winning a second gold medal by beating David Defiagbon of Canada 20-2. At the Sydney Olympics of 2000, Savon, by now 33 years old, again won easily, defeating Sebastian K?ber of Germany 14-8 in the semifinals and Sultan Ahmed Ibragimov of Russia 21-13 in the final. Savon, who stood 1.98m, is one of only three boxers to win three gold medals.
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