MICHAEL CONLAN WAS outclassed by his Cuban opponent, Robeisy Ramirez Carrazana, as he lost his boxing semi-final 20-10.
The Belfast boxer was four points down going into the final round but things went from bad to worse as he chased the points and suffered a standing count.
The 20-year-old finishes his first Olympic games with a bronze medal.
Michael Jackson’s disco favourite Don’t Stop ‘Til You’ve Got Enough rang out throughout the ExCel Arena as Conlan strolled to the ring.
The song summed up the mood of the Irish fans packed inside who were hungry for more gold medal success.
Cautious Cuban
Ramirez boxed a clever bout as he saw what Conlan had to offer before picking him off in the final minutes of all three rounds.
Both men started off in a Southpaw stance and Conlan scored the opening point. However his 18-year-old opponent connected with three clear punches in the final minute to lead 6-3.
Conlan looked to have bossed the second round before dropping his concentration in the final 10 seconds and coughing up three points to the Cuban, thanks to devastating combination.
Chasing the contest going into the final round, Conlan went for broke and was picked off.
The Irishman lost the run of himself at one stage, ended up facing the wrong way, and was given a standing count by the referee.
The final round ended 10-6 as the Cuban deservedly won.
Conlan was disappointed but he still had the piece of mind to congratulate the victor and acknowledge the large Irish crowd at the ExCel Arena.
Speaking to RTÉ after the bout, Conlan said: “I was beaten by the better man on the day. He was on form today.”
“I’m really devastated but I’ve got a medal in the bag and I’m happy with it too,” he added.
No shame losing to a boxer of that quality, the Cuban is class. Great to get a bronze Conlon, be proud.
Michael Conlon must have the heart of a lion. To know your down, and to hang on in there and give it your all, right to the bell shows Michael is a brave sportsman. he done himself and all of us proud!!!!
Conlon gave it his best, but the Cuban was just unbeatable. Still, Conlon got bronze, he can go home happy enough.
That Cuban was brilliant. Michael Conlan did Ireland proud, another Bronze medal. Well Done
This group of Irish athletes have done this country proud for a country that does not give them world class training facilities. We should not forget that.
That can’t be an excuse, alot of the smaller countries don’t have world class facilities and have done alot better than Ireland, the athletes just aren’t good enough, Katy & Annalise & John Joe apart!
The Cuban will win gold for sure. Conlan done himself and country proud
Would have done better Sean???
Can someone tell me, whats the story with the bronzes for boxing? Do both the loosing semi-finalists get one?
Hi Val, there’s two bronze medals for the loser of each semi final in boxing, rather than a fight off for 3rd place
Well done Michael, you did your country and your family proud. Learn from the experience and build on it for Rio in 2016.
That was the worst fight I’ve seen by an Irish boxer at these games! Why the hell did he turn his back on the Cuban?
He turned his back because he was unfortunately outclassed…. He won bronze and well done. Conlon will learn and will come back stronger in Rio. Come on John Joe