Filipino grappler Fierre Afan is now a world champion after ruling the 2023 World Grappling Championship recently in Warsaw, Poland.
The 19-year-old Afan clinched his gold medal in the -71 kg GP Gi men’s division after defeating French Ethan Sebastian Forrez, 15-2, in the finals.
“So difficult, but I made it, and it’s so sweet,” said Afan, who captured two gold medals in the United World Grappling Asian Championships last June.
“All opponents here are so strong, quick, versatile, and smart; that’s why I fought wisely, and I outsmarted everyone,” he added.
On his way to the finals, Afan beat Eryk Marcin Szychowski of Poland, 10-3, in his first fight before subduing Alau Sakenuly of Kazakhstan, 4-2, in the semifinals.
Afan, a student of the University of the Philippines, will next represent the country in the World Combat Games from October 21 to 30 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Lucas Aguilar, son of Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP) President Alvin Aguilar, bagged two bronze medals in the 63 kg U-17 grappling gi and no gi classes in the tournament.
