Nikhat Zareen Travels to Turkey to Spar with Rival Buse Naz Cakiroglu Ahead of Paris 2024

Two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen is intensifying her preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics by traveling to Turkey to spar with her rival, Buse Naz Cakiroglu. The purpose of the trip is for Zareen to analyze Cakiroglu's boxing style firsthand as she gears up for potential Olympic matchups.

Zareen and Cakiroglu have been the dominant forces in the flyweight and light flyweight categories in recent years. Zareen captured the 51kg world title in 2022, while Cakiroglu claimed gold in the 50kg division. Recognizing Cakiroglu as her biggest challenge, Zareen wanted to assess what changes her rival has made to her game since their last encounter.

The sparring sessions between the two elite boxers in Turkey resembled a game of cat and mouse, with neither willing to fully reveal their capabilities or tactical adjustments. Zareen described the experience, saying, "It was great to spar with Buse Naz. She is a very experienced boxer and it was good to see what has changed in her game since the last time we met. Neither of us wanted to show our full hand, but it was still a valuable experience."

Zareen's trip to Turkey is just one part of her extensive preparations for her Olympic debut in Paris next year. She has traveled to various locations worldwide, including Sofia, Montenegro, Kastamonu, Bangkok, and Saarbrucken, to gain competition experience and gather intelligence on her potential opponents.

Why this matters: Zareen's proactive approach to training and scouting her rivals demonstrates the level of dedication and strategic planning required to succeed at the highest levels of Olympic boxing. Her commitment to leaving no stone unturned in her preparations could prove pivotal in her quest for gold in Paris.

As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics continues, Zareen remains focused on her ultimate goal. "I am determined to win gold in Paris," she stated. "I know it will not be easy, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to make my dream a reality. Sparring with Buse Naz was just one step in that journey." With her relentless work ethic and attention to detail, Zareen is positioning herself as a strong contender for Olympic glory next summer.

Key Takeaways

• Nikhat Zareen, 2-time world boxing champion, prepares for Paris 2024 Olympics.
• Zareen travels to Turkey to spar with rival Buse Naz Cakiroglu, a top flyweight.
• Zareen and Cakiroglu are dominant forces in flyweight and light flyweight categories.
• Zareen has traveled globally to gain competition experience and scout opponents.
• Zareen is determined to win Olympic gold in Paris 2024 through rigorous preparation.