Ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, two-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist Jaden Cox bagged gold in his first 97kg competition defeating 2019 Junior World silver medalist Yonger Batisda of Cuba at Cerro Pelado on Sunday (February 17) in Havana.
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Jaden’s run to the final round of the tournament was impressive. The freestyler cruised past Reineris Salas Peres of Cuba 5-3 in the quarterfinal round and went on to demolish Jacob Kasper of the USA 4-0 in the semi-final bout.
Earlier in February, Jaden ended all speculations regarding his will to change weight category and announced that he was moving to 97kg weight category for Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“It was a tough decision but exciting one. I have decided to play in 97kg. There is lot of talent in the category. Olympic and World Champ Kyle Snyder will be the big test, but I am up for it” Cox had said in an interview to USA Wrestling.
Over the last two years, Cox has won World titles in men’s freestyle at 92 kg. However, 92 kg is a non-Olympic weight. Hence, he had to decide between Olympic weight categories 86 kg and 97 kg for the 2020 season.
Jaden’s bouts in Cerro Pelado 2020
97 kg: Jaden Cox – GOLD
Final: wins against Yonger Bastida (Cuba)
Semi Final: wins against Jacob Kasper (USA), 4-0
Qtr final: wins against eineris Salas Perez (Cuba), 5-3
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