UWW Live

UWW LIVE: Frank CHAMIZO (ITA): Two-Time World Champion

By United World Wrestling Press

Frank CHAMIZO (ITA)  is one of the world's biggest wrestling stars.

In December, Chamizo was named 2019 United World Wrestling Wrestler of the Year in freestyle.

Chamizo, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and two-time world champion, captured his third world medal by earning silver at 74kg in Nur-Sultan. In April of 2019, Chamizo won his third European title at with an 8-0 victory over France's Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA). He claimed medals at the City of Sassari Tournament (gold), Yasar Dogu (silver) and Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov Tournament (bronze).

Chamizo joined Eric Olanowski to talk about his upcoming match with fellow two-time world champion Kyle DAKE (USA), his philosophy on cutting weight and his favorite moment from his storied wrestling career.
 

Obituary

U.S. Greco-Roman star Alan Vera passes away

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 24) -- United States Greco-Roman wrestler and Pan-Am champion Alan VERA (USA) passed away Monday. Vera suffered a sudden cardiac arrest earlier this year and had been hospitalized since then in recovery from his serious health challenges.

Vera was born in Cuba and won a bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games and a gold medal at the 2016 Pan American Championships, while competing for Cuba. He immigrated to the United States and lived in Florida for a number of years. He continued to train and compete in Greco-Roman and various international events for a few years.

Vera qualified the U.S. for the Paris Olympics in 97kg at the 2024 Pan-American Olympic Qualification Tournament in Acapulco, Mexico.

Very saddened to hear about Alan Vera’s passing. In my limited time around him he was always willing to help on the mat, and offer a laugh at a terrible joke I made

— Kyle Dake (@kyledake444) September 24, 2024
 

Domestically, Vera claimed his first U.S. national title in 2020, and won four national titles during his career.

Vera was married to Elena PIROZKHOVA (USA), a two-time Olympian and former world champion.

United World Wrestling mourns the death of Vera and stands with the Vera family.