MOSCOW, August 23 (RIA Novosti) - Russian heavyweight Rakhim Chakhkiev claimed Saturday his country's 21st gold of the Beijing Olympics.
Chakhkiev, 25, defeated 2007 world champion Clemente Russo from Italy 4-2 in the heavyweight final.
The Olympic champion beat Iran's Ali Mazaheri 7-3, John Mbumba of France 18-9, and Cuban Osmai Acosta Duarte 10-5 on his way to the top of the podium.
Duarte finished third along with the other semifinal loser, Deontay Wilder of the United States.
Chakhkiev's victory secured Russia its first boxing gold in Beijing. Another Russian boxer, Alexey Tishchenko, has a chance to double the country's tally in the men's lightweight final later Saturday.
