Pic: 91kg world champion Clemente Russo (ITA) in action at the
Beijing Olympics

Beijing Olympian and AIBA World Championships Chicago 2007 bronze medallist John M'Bumba (FRA) made a successful start by defeating Borut Slapnil (SLO) 11:3 in the 91kg preliminaries as the 2009 Mediterranean Games began on Saturday at the Adriatico Stadium in Pescara, Italy.

A total of 105 boxers from 17 countries have registered for the event including +91kg Olympic and world champion Roberto Cammarelle (ITA), 91kg world champion Olympic silver medallist Clemente Russo (ITA), 60kg Olympic bronze medallist Yakup Kilic (TUR) and 64kg Olympic bronze medallist Alexis Vastine (FRA).

In action on the first day was AIBA World Championships Chicago 2007 69kg bronze medallist Adem Killicci of Turkey who, competing in his new weight category, defeated Mariano Gimenez Hilario (ESP) KO R2 in the 75kg preliminaries, confirming a quarterfinal clash against Olympian Said Rachidi (MAR). 

The boxing competition at the Mediterranean Games will conclude with finals on July 2. The following countries are represented: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Morocco, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Syria, Spain and Tunisia.

For full results please visit: http://www.pescara2009.it/