Mediterranean Games 2026: Alen Rustemovski secures at least bronze in Taranto
By reaching the 60 kg semi-finals in Taranto, Alen Rustemovski has secured at least a bronze medal for North Macedonia at the Mediterranean Games.
On 25 August 2026 at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, North Macedonia celebrated another boxing podium finish: Alen Rustemovski advanced to the semi-finals in the men's 60 kg division and, in doing so, guaranteed at least a bronze medal for his country.
Rustemovski met Ariol Zeneli of Albania in the quarter-final and controlled the bout from the opening bell. He was judged superior across the rounds, and in the final third round the referee stopped the contest, handing the Macedonian the victory and passage to the last four.
Next step: semi-final showdown
In the semi-final Rustemovski is scheduled to face Spain's Marin Hernandez. A win there would send him to the gold-medal match; a loss still secures the bronze that comes with reaching the semi-finals at the Mediterranean Games.
The result adds to North Macedonia's medal tally at the Taranto 2026 Games and underscores the country's growing presence in regional boxing. Team officials praised Rustemovski's composure and tactical approach that produced a decisive victory in the quarters.
Attention will now turn to the semi-final clash, where Rustemovski will aim to build on his momentum and fight for a higher place on the podium.
Photo: press material from the event
