Pat’s that as McCormack sets sights on pros
PAT McCORMACK has set his sights on turning professional after being beaten in the men’s welterweight final by Cuba’s Roniel Iglesias.
The Birtley fighter, top seed at 69kg who advanced to the Olympic gold medal match after Irish opponent Aidan Walsh withdrew from their semi-final because of a freak ankle injury, lost on all five judges’ scorecards.
There was no lack of endeavour from McCormack but his opponent’s outstanding footwork helped him control the distance while his rapid hand speed from a southpaw stance caught the
Briton off guard on several occasions. McCormack was satisfied with silver – one of six medals guaranteed for Team GB’s boxers, equalling their best-ever overseas haul – but he has signalled his intention to leave the amateur ranks behind.
‘I was just up against a tough fighter from Cuba, a double Olympic champion,’ the 26-yearold said of Iglesias, who also won gold at London 2012. ‘I’m ready for the pro ranks now. It’s been a long time coming.’
McCormack’s silver adds to Karriss Artingstall’s bronze, while Frazer Clarke, Ben Whittaker, Lauren Price and Galal
Yafai will also take home medals, doubling the number at Rio 2016 and securing their best haul since the 1920 Games in Antwerp.
Birmingham’s Yafai ensured a medal with victory over Cuba’s Yosvany Veitia and said: ‘I’m rooming with Frazer, who is in the semi-final, and Ben Whittaker who’s in the final – I didn’t want to go home with nothing, I had to make sure I got a medal.’
Londoner Caroline Dubois will not make the podium in the women’s lightweight division after an agonising split decision went against her in a quarterfinal clash with Thailand’s Sudaporn Seesondee.