Afan wears down Frenchman for world grappling gold

Fierre Afan (red) throws down Ethan Sebastian Forrez of France in the men’s -71kg Gi gold-medal match. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Fierre Afan validated his status as a top-level grappler by lording it over in the 2023 World Grappling Championships in Warsaw, Poland.

The 19-year-old submission specialist from Marikina City was just too strong for Ethan Sebastian Forrez of France in clinching the 71 kilogram GP Gi men’s division title, 15-2, with hardly any trouble at all.

But Afan, who ruled his weight class in the United World Grappling Asian Championships two months ago in Astana, Kazakhstan, thinks his latest victory is not just about brute force.

“All opponents here were so strong, quick, versatile and smart, that’s why I fought wisely. I just outsmarted everyone,’’ said Afan, the country’s entry to the World Combat Games on Oct. 21-30 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Coached by Wrestling Association of the Philippines president Alvin Aguilar and Michael Tabamo, Afan subdued 20-year-old Eryk Marcin Szychowski of Poland, 10-3, before pulling off a 4-2 triumph over Kazakh Alau Sakenuly in the semis.

“I am looking forward seeing him fight in the coming World Combat Games,’’ said Aguilar.