Two-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist Frank Chamizo revealed that he rejected an offer of $300,000 to intentionally lose a match at the recent European wrestling Olympic qualification tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Chamizo, who represents Italy after moving from Cuba in 2011, lost the semifinal match to Azerbaijani wrestler Turan Bayramov amid controversy over a disputed call.
“I had to work extra hard in Azerbaijan because it’s their home turf, and they had influenced everyone,” Chamizo told Italian newspaper La Repubblica.
“But then, something unexpected happened. They approached me with a $300,000 offer to lose. I declined because I represent not just myself, but also Italy. Upholding my integrity is important to me.”
Chamizo expressed his disappointment on social media, calling out the incident as a reflection of corruption in wrestling. Despite the setback, he remains determined to secure a spot at the Paris Olympics through the upcoming world qualification tournament in Turkey.
