The 10 best Rio 2016 medallists so far

With Claressa Shields about to fight to become a two-weight undisputed champion, we consider the most successful Rio 2016 medallists in pro boxing

BN Staff

The 10 best Rio 2016 medallists so far
Claressa Shields (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
  1. CLARESSA SHIELDS
    After becoming a two-time Olympic gold medallist at the 2016 Games, US star Shields has gone on to achieve three-weight world champion status in record-breaking time as a professional.
  2. MURODJON AKHMADALIEV
    In only his eighth pro fight, Akhmadaliev attained unified world super-bantamweight honours by dethroning Daniel Roman. The Uzbek southpaw also claimed a bronze medal at Rio.
  3. JOE JOYCE
    Joyce was disappointed to lose in the final in 2016, but the Putney powerhouse has not let this hold him back in his pro career. His victory over Daniel Dubois has cemented him as a serious player in the heavyweight division.
  4. SHAKUR STEVENSON
    Another silver medallist from five years ago, American portsider Stevenson has already reigned as a world titlist at featherweight, and is now looking to do the same at super-feather.
  5. TONY YOKA
    Despite defeating Joyce in their gold medal decider, Yoka has not quite reached the heights that the Brit has so far in the pros. Nevertheless, the French heavyweight is certainly on the right track.
  6. DANIYAR YELEUSSINOV
    Yeleussinov secured a spot atop the podium in 2016, and he has continued this fine form since turning over. The left-hander from Kazakhstan is making moves in the welterweight category.
  7. FILIP HRGOVIC
    Hrgovic was forced to settle for a bronze medal after being pipped by Yoka, but the Croatian heavyweight is determined to reach the very top as a pro. He has been near-flawless in the paid ranks.
  8. JOSHUA BUATSI
    A third-place finish in Brazil demonstrated the talent that Buatsi possesses, and the Croydon light-heavyweight has shown consistent improvements throughout his current journey in the pro game.
  9. SHAKHRAM GIYASOV
    Uzbek super-lightweight Giyasov has produced an array of impressive performances as a pro, following on from his silver medal at the 2016 tournament, where he came out second best to Yeleussinov.
  10. SOULEYMANE CISSOKHO
    Like Giyasov, Cissokho was beaten by Yeleussinov at the Games, though the Frenchman’s defeat occurred at the semi-final stage. He is presently progressing well as a super-welterweight.

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