It has been a dramatic opening to what will be an exciting week of boxing for all members of Team GB. A first defeat for GB Boxing as Galal Yafai bowed out of the tournament after a brave performance against world number one Joahnys Argilagos of Cuba.
Boxing in the afternoon session, Yafai got off to a good start in pursuit of his opponent. He pushed his opponent back and kept using his jab. It was a competitive opening round with a split 2:1 decision, in favour of the Cuban.
The second round saw the Cuban not moving forward and managing the gap between to boxers to avoid any shots. Round three and Yafai was trailing on the score cards of two judges, we saw a great attack from Yafai in this round.
Speaking to Team GB, Yafai said: “It was a close bout and I thought I had done enough to win. It’s a disappointment to lose but 12 months ago I was working at Land Rover and today I have lost to the world champion on a split decision so I suppose when I get over the disappointment and look back I can be pleased with how far I have come in a short time.”
Next up for GB Boxing are 69kg Josh Kelly, 75kg Antony Fowler and 91kg Lawrence Okolie all in tonight’s evening session.
Monday 8 August
2215 GMT
69kg Josh Kelly (GBR) V 69kg Walid Sedik Mohamed (EGY)
2245 GMT
75kg Antony Fowler (GBR) V 75kg Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (KAZ)
2345 GMT
91kg Lawrence Okolie (GBR) V 91kg Erislandy Savon (CUB)
