Lionel Elika Fatupaito, 60, died suddenly of a heart attack on Friday. His death overshadowed the first day of Olympic boxing. The coach died in the Olympic Village in Paris on the day of the opening ceremony. The IBA (International Boxing Association) expressed its "sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues" of Lionel Elika Fatupaito following his unexpected death."

Emergency services attended to him but were unable to save him, according to local prosecutors, who said he died of "natural causes". "Lionel's dedication and passion for the sport has left an indelible mark on the boxing community," the IBA said in a statement. "His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Samoan team and all those affected by this profound loss."

The tragic news overshadowed the first day of boxing at Paris 2024, where there were no major surprises and the predictions were largely accurate in almost all weight classes. Fans were treated to a number of high-profile fights in the North Paris Arena.

In the under-60kg category, Italian Alessia Missano's victory over Turkish Gizem Ozer stood out. It was a close contest, but Missano eventually secured a 4-1 victory to advance to the quarter-finals. This weight category is very competitive and medals are hard to come by.

The bout between Jongpho Weerapon and the Dominican Cristian Javier Pinales was also the focus of attention. It was a decisive victory, with Pinales winning 5-0, fulfilling the high expectations for this boxer in the always demanding 80kg division.

An exciting fight unfolded between Bakhochv Usmonov (TJK) and Redosov Simonov (BUL) saw the Bulgarian exhibit a powerful and aggressive style of boxing which puts him in a position as a clear medal contender. 

Perhaps the most surprising result was the defeat of Rio 2016 Olympic champion Estelle Mosley of France in the under-60kg category, who lost to American Jajaira González. Mosley was unable to match the power of González as González kept her distance and controlled the ring to secure the victory.

Results from the first day of action. Preliminary round.

54 kg Women

Huang Hsiao Wen (TPE) 5
Bojana Gojkovic (EMU) 0

Jutamas Jitpong (ESO) 4
Sara Cirkovic (RBS) 1

60 kg Women

Feofaciki Eperisa (TGA) 0
Linh Ha (CHI) 5

Wu Shih Yi (TPE) 5
Yeunji (KOR) 0

María José Palacios (ECU) 4
Agnes Alexivsson (SWE) 1

63.5 kg Men

Bakhochv Usmonov (TJK) 0
Redosov Simonov (BUL) 5

Obada Alkasbeh (JOR) 3
Decano Clancy (ITA) 2

54 kg Women

Charley Davison (GB) 2
Matice Akbas (TUR) 3

Munguntsetseg (MON) 5
Sinine Charaabi (ITA) 0

Indiana Retti (ITA) 5
Thi Kim Anh (CHI) 0

60 kg Women

Alessia Missano (ITA) 4
Gizem Ozer (TUR) 1

Somnvez (ESO) 2
Sadiku (KO) 3

Estelle Mosley (FRA) 0
Jajaira González (USA) 4

 63.5 kg Men

Andy Alvarez (CUB) R2
John Ume (PNG)

Mukhammedsabyr (KAZ) 5
Oier Ibarreche (SPA) 0

80 Kg Men

Kean Aykutsun (TUR) 4
Salvatore Cavallaro (ITA) 1

Jongpho Weerapon (THA) 0
Cristian Javier Pinales (DOM) 5