KHASVJURT, Russia – The Cliff Keen Wrestling Club’s Jimmy Kennedy captured the 60kg/132-pound gold medal at the Intercontinental Cup on Sunday (Oct. 20). The gold medal was Kennedy’s first in overseas competition.
The hosts selected the winner of the 60kg weight class for a special grand prize, a brand new Lada Granta Car, and Kennedy earned the special honor. The Lada Granta is a subcompact car developed by Russian automaker AvtoVAZ in collaboration with Renault.
Kennedy defeated Murshid Mutalimov, 4-1, in the championship final. Despite pushing the action early, he gave up the initial point on a pushout with a minute remaining in the first period. He rallied in the second, however, scoring off a front headlock and go behind midway through the frame before using a counter takedown to ice the match in the closing seconds. Mutalimov was previously fifth in the 2011 Junior World Championships, and was a 2007 Cadet European champion.
“I felt great,” said Kennedy. “I wrestled my matches with the mindset of constantly trying to attack, and everything worked out for me. The crowd was phenomenal. They treated me great. I kind of got swarmed after the match. It was a great day and something I think I can really build on.”
“Before the finals, the Khasvjurt Federation chose 60 kg as the weight for the car winner. They could’ve chosen any weight or an all-Russian final but they chose Jimmy’s match to give the American a chance. They’re making a big deal out of it to show they want to partner with America to show their gratitude, probably after saving Olympic wrestling,” said National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones.
Kennedy earned three straight 7-0 technical falls en route to the finals, defeating three other Russian wrestlers — Zekerhan Abakabov in his first match, Shambal Mizriev in the quarterfinals and Husein Shakhbanov in the semifinals.
Kennedy will complete the international tour next Sunday (Oct. 26) at the Ramzan Kadirov Cup in Grozny, Russia. He took bronze in the event last year for his first ever overseas medal.
CKWC RESULTS
Jimmy Kennedy, 60kg/132 pounds
First Round – tech. fall Zekerhan Abakabov (Russia), 7-0
Quarterfinals – tech. fall Shambal Mizriev (Russia), 7-0
Semifinals – tech. fall Husein Shakhbanov (Russia), 7-0
Final – dec. Murshid Mutalimov (Russia – Dagestan), 4-1
Finished as 60kg champion with a 4-0 record
Kennedy’s gold-medal match:
