The road to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics begins at the African qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal today.
Africa’s top prospects are battling it out for 33 Olympic places – 22 for men and 11 for women – in the first of four Continental qualifiers for the 32nd Olympiad.
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221 boxers from 39 nations will be between the ropes in Dakar in the eight Olympic weights for men and five for women.
The Asia/Oceania qualifiers (March 3/11) follow with the European qualifiers slated to officially begin in London on March 13.
The Americas qualifiers in Buenos Aires, Argentina (March 26/April 3) complete the Continental process.
Paris hosts the final World qualifier from 13 to 20 May.
286 boxers – 186 men and 100 women – will compete at Tokyo 2020. Six places go to the host nation Japan and an additional 8 berths will be distributed by the Tripartite Commission (invitations).
272 Tokyo 2020 places will be won in the ring between today and May 20.