Morocco’s Samghouli Defeats Algeria’s Bakhssis for Taranto Gold

Casablanca – Moroccan boxer Ismail Samghouli defeated Algeria’s Ismail Bakhssis 3-2 in the men’s under-65kg final at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, securing Morocco’s third gold medal of the competition.

Samghouli emerged victorious in a closely contested bout against his Algerian opponent, edging Bakhssis by three rounds to two to claim the top spot on the podium.

The victory adds another gold medal to Morocco’s growing haul in Taranto and further strengthens the country’s impressive showing in boxing.

Samghouli’s triumph also comes after he successfully navigated the earlier stages of the competition to reach the final, where he faced Bakhssis for the Mediterranean title.

With the 3-2 victory, the Moroccan boxer became the latest athlete to deliver gold for the national delegation at the Games.

Morocco had already secured two gold medals in Taranto, with taekwondo athlete Soufiane Al-Asabi winning the men’s over-80kg title and boxer Saida Lhamidi taking gold in the women’s under-70kg category.

Samghouli’s victory now brings Morocco’s gold-medal tally to three, adding to a strong campaign at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Italy.