#WrestleBudapest19

Three World Champions Struck Down in #WrestleBudapest Semifinals

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 - 21:03 By Taylor Miller

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Photo of Vitali GOLOEV (RUS) by Sachiko Hotaka.

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Three world champions lost in the semifinals on Tuesday as the last set of men’s freestyle finals were set for the 2019 U23 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Defeating World champions were Gadzhimurad MAGOMEDSAIDOV (AZE) at 86 kg, Bo NICKAL (USA) at 92 kg and Vitali GOLOEV (RUS) at 125 kg.

Magomedsaidov, a two-time Junior World bronze medalist, took out 2018 Junior World champion Hayato ISHIGURO (JPN) with a 5-3 decision.

In the 86 kg title match, Magomedsaidov will face returning U23 World champion and 2013 Cadet World silver medalist Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI), who won his semifinal 4-4 on criteria.

At 92 kg, Nickal knocked off reigning U23 World champion Shamil Zubairov (AZE) in a dominant 9-1 victory.

For gold, Nickal will take on Batyrbek TSAKULOV (RUS). In his semifinal, Tsakulov cruised past 2019 Junior World runner-up Yonger BASTIDA POMARES (CUB), 6-1.

Moving onto the 125 kg gold-medal match, Goloev impressed with a 10-0 performance against 2017 Cadet World champion and 2018 Cadet World silver medalist Daniel Greg KERKVLIET (USA).

In the finals, Goloev will go head-to-head with Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI), who is a 2018 Junior World champion and a 2019 Junior World silver medalist. Zare won his semifinal with an 11-0 shutout against Zuriko URTASHVILI (GEO).

Iran and Russia will also face off in the 74 kg gold match as 2018 Junior World silver medalist Razambek ZHAMALOV (RUS) takes on 2017 Cadet World bronze medalist Mohammed NOKHODILARIMI (IRI).

Wrestling for the title at 61 kg is 2016 Cadet World bronze medalist Ravinder RAVINDER (IND) and 2019 U23 Asian champion Ulukbek ZHOLDOSHBEKOV (KGZ).

The medal matches take place on Wednesday at 6 p.m. local time live on unitedworldwrestling.org.

Semifinals results

61 kg
Ravinder RAVINDER (IND) df. Armen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM), fall
Ulukbek ZHOLDOSHBEKOV (KGZ) df. Ryutaro HAYAMA (JPN), 12-1

74 kg
Razambek ZHAMALOV (RUS) df. Giorgi SULAVA (GEO), 15-7
Mohammed NOKHODILARIMI (IRI) df. Murad KURAMAGOMEDOV (HUN), 9-4

86 kg
Gadzhimurad MAGOMEDSAIDOV (AZE) df. Hayato ISHIGURO (JPN), 5-3
Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) df. Osman GOCEN (TUR), 4-4

92 kg
Bo NICKAL (USA) df. Shamil Zubairov (AZE), 9-1
Batyrbek TSAKULOV (RUS) df. Yonger BASTIDA POMARES (CUB), 6-1

125 kg
Vitali GOLOEV (RUS) df. Daniel Greg KERKVLIET (USA), 10-0
Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) df. Zuriko URTASHVILI (GEO), 11-0

Finals matchups
61 kg: Ravinder RAVINDER (IND) vs. Ulukbek ZHOLDOSHBEKOV (KGZ)
74 kg: Razambek ZHAMALOV (RUS) vs. Mohammed NOKHODILARIMI (IRI)
86 kg: Gadzhimurad MAGOMEDSAIDOV (AZE) vs. Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI)
92 kg: Bo NICKAL (USA) vs. Batyrbek TSAKULOV (RUS)
125 kg: Vitali GOLOEV (RUS) vs. Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI)

 

#development

U17 Pan-Ams More Than Medals Camp Sees Highest-Ever Participation

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - 09:37 By United World Wrestling Press

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PANAMA CITY, Panama (April 14) -- United World Wrestling’s More Than Medals program reached a new milestone as its 10th edition in Panama recorded its highest participation to date, bringing together 120 athletes from 17 countries across the Americas.

Held from April 6 to 11 in Panama City, the six-day camp reflected the steady growth of the program, both in scale and impact, reinforcing its role as one of UWW’s leading development initiatives in the region.

Since its inception, More Than Medals has been designed to go beyond competition, and the 2026 edition continued that vision by combining high-performance training with education and cultural exchange. The record participation in this milestone edition highlighted the increasing relevance of the program.

On the mat, athletes trained under the guidance of experienced regional coaches, focusing on technical execution, tactical awareness and physical conditioning. Sessions were structured to accommodate different levels, ensuring a productive environment for both emerging and advanced wrestlers.

Off the mat, the educational component remained central to the program. Workshops on anti-doping and sports psychology provided athletes with essential tools to manage performance, decision-making and well-being in high-level environments.

The program also emphasized connection and exchange among participants. Cultural activities, including visits to local natural sites and the Panama Canal, offered opportunities for athletes to interact outside of training, strengthening relationships across national boundaries.