Mediterranean Games 2026: Alen Rustemovski wins by referee stoppage, advances to quarter-finals
Rustemovski beat Mihajlo Dekic in the round of 16 at 60 kg by referee stoppage and will face Zeneli on Tuesday for a semifinal spot.
Taranto, 22.08.2026 — Alen Rustemovski opened his Mediterranean Games campaign with a convincing victory in Taranto. In the round of 16 in the up-to-60 kg division he defeated Mihajlo Dekic of Bosnia and Herzegovina by referee stoppage.
Decisive performance ends contest early
Rustemovski controlled the fight from the opening bell and repeatedly landed the cleaner, heavier shots, prompting the referee to halt the contest for the safety of Dekic. The stoppage secured Rustemovski a place among the tournament’s last eight.
The North Macedonian showed a mix of accurate combinations and solid defense throughout the bout, leaving little room for a comeback. The referee’s intervention came after a sequence where Rustemovski pressed the action and scored several unanswered blows.
Next up for Rustemovski is an elimination match on Tuesday against Albanian opponent Zeneli; the winner will advance to the semifinals. The date for that bout was scheduled as the next round following his 22.08.2026 victory.
The result moves Rustemovski deeper into the boxing draw at the Mediterranean Games and reinforces his status as one of North Macedonia’s leading prospects in the 60 kg class.
Photo: National Boxing Federation of North Macedonia (FB)
