TEAM GB RIO 2016 BOXING UPDATE (DAYS 4 AND 5)
After what was a catastrophic day for Team GB boxers where three crashed out of Rio 2016 on the third day of competition, British boxing fans were hoping for a better day on day 4 (09/08/2016) with Joe Cordina in action.
Joe Cordina who put on a disciplined performance in the round of 32, faced Uzbekistan’s Hurshid Tojibaev in the round of 16 of the lightweight competition.
Cordina displayed good footwork, but, was unable to land any combinations despite the scores being all square in the first round.
Speaking after the fight, Cordina believed the best boxer won.
I can’t complain, the better man won on the day. I just couldn’t get going in the last round. He’s the hardest hitter I’ve been in the ring with, but I’ve got a lot to take from this experience.
On day 5 (10/08/2016), British bantamweight Qais Ashfaq made his Olympic debut against Chatchai Butdee.
Ashfaq however, was outclassed by the Asian Games champion who floored the British fighter in the second round.
Ashfaq was beaten on points by Butdee, but, believes he is capable of beating opponents like Butdee.
I know I am well capable of beating guys like that. But I’m a strong believer that what is meant to be will be and it wasn’t my night. I just wasn’t myself. But on the night I was beaten by the better kid.
Ashfaq also believes Butdee’s experience played a part in his defeat.
I’m in the best shape of my life. I guess he’s a lot older than me, he’s been to three Olympics and that maybe helped him