Bantamweight (54kg / 119 lbs)
At the 2007 World Championships Puerto Rican McJoe Arroyo (his twin brother McWilliams is a flyweight Olympian) lost 20-9 in the semifinals to Russian Sergey Vodopyanov after storming through the competition. Unfortunately, at the Olympics McJoe is paired against Vodopyanov in the first round.

Arroyo and Vodopyanov aren’t the only 2007 medalist in the lower half of the bracket. They are joined there by silver medalist Enkhbat Badar-Uugan from Mongolia and the other bronze winner Great Britain’s Joseph Murray. The boxer to emerge from this side will have run a gauntlet.

The top half is much less competitive and may offer a surprise finalist. Favorites Héctor Manzanilla from Venezuela and Cuban Yankiel Leon will try to end any underdog’s hopes.

First Round
Tuesday, August 12
First Session 3:00 a.m. – 4:15 a.m. EST
Second Session 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. EST

Round of 16
Friday, August 15
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. EST

Quarterfinals
Monday, August 18
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. EST

Semifinals
Friday, August 22
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. EST

Final
Sunday, August 24
2:00 a.m. EST

Post from: EveryJoe

Olympic Boxing Draw: Bantamweights