Two losses, but Dunedin boxer far from disgraced
DUNEDIN boxer Kasib Murdoch will return home from Argentina without a Youth Olympics medal but a much better boxer.
The 17yearold lost both his preliminary bouts in the men’s light division (60kg) by unanimous decision and will fight Canadian Spencer Wilcox later this week in the fifthsixth bout.
Coach Bryan Usher said he watched footage from both fights and felt Murdoch equipped himself very well.
‘‘They’ve all been through rigorous qualification and Kasib looks to be right up there with them,’’ Usher said.
‘‘He perhaps has not had the same experience as the top nations. But undoubtedly he will be a lot better for this experience.
‘‘He is still in his first year in [the youth grade] as well.’’
Murdoch fought Ukrainian Taras Bondarchuk in his opening match and recorded a comprehensive points loss.
The second round proved the most damaging, with Bondarchuk awarded the round 108 by three of the five judges.
‘‘Ukraine is one of the strongest nations in the amateur boxing world and I thought Kasib did extremely well. He certainly wasn’t outclassed.
‘‘Kasib wasn’t that happy with his performance but [Bondarchuk] was an awkward southpaw.’’
Murdoch had a closer fight against Marwan Mamdouh Mohamed Madboly. The Egyptian won the opening two rounds, but two of the five judges awarded Murdoch the final round.
‘‘He is the No 2 seed and was third at the world champs and is extremely good. Kasib was a lot happier with his own performance and the scorecard shows [that].’’