By Frank Bonada
Day 4 of the 2024 IMMAF World Championships brought fierce competition once again as athletes competed relentlessly for a coveted spot in the World Championship finals. The day was marked by unexpected upsets, with several reigning world and continental champions falling, clearing the way for a new wave of amateur talent.
Among the most surprising developments were the losses of two standout athletes in the women’s junior divisions, Ines Boulabarj and Yana Shelemba. Boulabarj faced off against Ukraine’s Mariia Klein, a former Youth World Champion, who capitalised on her experience and versatility to secure a victory over the top-seeded Boulabarj, advancing with a shot at a junior world title.
Yana Shelemba, the 2023 Junior World Champion, also experienced her first career setback. After an impressive quarter-final performance, she was outmanoeuvred by Serbia’s Anastasia Rajkovic, who showcased a well-rounded skill set that ultimately earned her a unanimous decision from the judges.
One of the most eagerly anticipated matchups of the day was between French knockout artist Samba Sima and Irish European Champion Flobater Fares. Both fighters, eyeing professional careers after the World Championships, entered the cage with everything on the line. Fares attempted to control the bout with his range and striking, but Sima’s explosive athleticism repeatedly closed the distance, landing powerful strikes. As the first round drew to a close, Sima connected with a shot that staggered Fares, leading to a swift referee stoppage after a series of decisive follow-up blows.
Team Spain is on course for one of its strongest IMMAF showings to date, with 2024 European Champion David Hervias leading the way. Hervias extended his streak of submission victories and will compete in the finals alongside fellow Spanish fighters Stella Abalos Montoya, Isabel Calvo, and Mercedes Custodio Lopez. However, Hervias faces a tough challenge in reigning Tajik World Champion Qosim Sardorov, who overcame French prospect Oualy Tandia in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Finland’s Sani Brannfors scored a critical win over France’s Lina Hammouche, moving one step closer to becoming the first female athlete to claim IMMAF World gold across Youth, Junior, and Senior categories.
The Senior Finals are set to begin at 5 pm local time and can be streamed live on IMMAF.tv.
