Defending world champion Joan-Benjamin Gaba exited the 2026 World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, in the opening round after a grueling 10-minute contest against Bulgaria’s Victor Skerlev, L’Équipe reported. Gaba, who won his title the previous year in Budapest, fell in his opening bout at the World Judo Championships in Baku when he was countered on his shoulder movement.
Shoulder Injury Limits Gaba's Preparation for Baku
Gaba’s participation in Baku followed a truncated preparation caused by a shoulder injury and a three-month convalescence without judo. The fighter’s staff had wanted to protect him and advised him against competing, but Gaba chose to make the trip. He explained that if he had not lined up, he would have lost his title immediately, whereas competing offered a chance to keep it. Despite training intensively, Gaba admitted that training cannot replace intense judo training camps. His opening match lasted over 10 minutes against Skerlev, whom Gaba described as a tall, right-handed opponent in an off-center position with a very disagreeable, very waiting style and good attacks at the right moment.
Gaba Lacks Physical Condition for Six Matches
Reflecting on the disillusionment of the defeat, Gaba stated that he did not have the physical condition required for six matches. Les six combats pour gagner le titre je ne les avais pas dans le coffre,
he noted regarding his stamina after returning from injury. Comparing his situation to comments by Ousmane Dembélé after winning the Ballon d’Or, Gaba remarked that nothing had changed except that he is criticized more, adding that he is a human with ups and downs. Although the defeat hurt, Gaba stated that he gave everything he had and made the one attack too many, concluding that as long as he is alive he can pick himself up and return stronger.
