BALLYMENA’S STEVEN DONNELLY failed to secure Ireland’s 17th Olympic boxing medal, and their first of these trouble-hit Olympic Games, after losing to world champion Mohammed Rabii in his welterweight quarter-final via a split decision.
If the 27-year-old had won this afternoon, he would have been guaranteed a minimum of a bronze medal, but it was not to be for Donnelly who boxed strongly throughout.
Donnelly produced a fine first round performance demonstrating brilliant footwork and excellent combinations, but his Moroccan opponent was more than a match in a close encounter, and went on to win the round on all three cards.
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Rabii then caught Donnelly early in the second round, but the Irishman recovered well to catch the gold medal favourite several times, which proved enough for one judge to award the Antrim man the round, but Donnelly still faced an uphill task to reach the final four.
In the final round, Donnelly had to overcome a standing count after a clash of heads, although he never wilted, the Moroccan’s overall class proved too much for Donnelly.
Katie Taylor and Michael Conlan are now the only Irish boxers who can claim a medal at these Games, despite the team entereing the competition with high expectations.
Just two Irish boxers remain at the Rio Olympics despite Steven Donnelly's brave performance
BALLYMENA’S STEVEN DONNELLY failed to secure Ireland’s 17th Olympic boxing medal, and their first of these trouble-hit Olympic Games, after losing to world champion Mohammed Rabii in his welterweight quarter-final via a split decision.
If the 27-year-old had won this afternoon, he would have been guaranteed a minimum of a bronze medal, but it was not to be for Donnelly who boxed strongly throughout.
Donnelly produced a fine first round performance demonstrating brilliant footwork and excellent combinations, but his Moroccan opponent was more than a match in a close encounter, and went on to win the round on all three cards.
Rabii then caught Donnelly early in the second round, but the Irishman recovered well to catch the gold medal favourite several times, which proved enough for one judge to award the Antrim man the round, but Donnelly still faced an uphill task to reach the final four.
In the final round, Donnelly had to overcome a standing count after a clash of heads, although he never wilted, the Moroccan’s overall class proved too much for Donnelly.
Katie Taylor and Michael Conlan are now the only Irish boxers who can claim a medal at these Games, despite the team entereing the competition with high expectations.
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