Adi Nehru
PARIS (Reuters) – The roaring of the French crowd cheering fervently for local hero Estelle Mossely couldn't dampen the spirits of fiery American Jajaira Gonzalez, who said she had a great time after winning her first match at the Paris Olympics against a Rio Olympic gold medallist.
Gonzalez received little support from the packed North Paris Arena, but the lightweight was unfazed, winning 4-0 against his French opponent.
“As soon as I heard the crowd booing, I got really fired up,” Gonzalez said.
“I was really motivated. I was hungrier. I was like, 'OK, I'm going to show everyone.' Everybody hates me now, but after this they're going to love me. I was super confident. I was excited just to go out there.”
“I was just having fun, which is why I think I looked at the audience and laughed. I really wanted to blow them kisses, but I just tried to stay focused and live in the moment.”
But that confidence also led her down a dangerous path, as she nearly took a dangerous hit while watching her coaches after taking a shot.
“I looked at them and smiled,” Gonzalez said.
“I turned around and narrowly missed a punch that came flying towards me. I decided to never do that again.”
The win marked a memorable Olympic debut for the Pan American Games silver medalist, who retired from boxing after failing to qualify for the Rio Olympics but returns to competition in 2021.
When asked how she felt about the decision, Gonzalez said, “There are two thoughts that always come to mind.
“One, if I hadn't been away from the sport for so long, how far would I have progressed in the sport by now?
“But the loneliness I felt during that time off also made me think about how much I've grown as a person and as a fighter. I feel like I wouldn't trade this time for anything.”
The 27-year-old Gonzalez will next face Beatriz Ferreira, a silver medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Games. On paper, it will be a tough fight for Gonzalez, but she is confident of victory.
“I fought her at the Pan American Games. She's a good fighter, but I'm also a good fighter. I know exactly what I have to do.”
“I'm excited. I'm not scared of anyone.”
(Reporting by Adi Nehru in Paris; Editing by Toby Davies)
