AIS/NTID boxer claims silver at AIBA Youth World Championships
04 May 2010
Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)/National Talent Identification and Development (NTID) boxer Damien Hooper has gone down to Ireland’s Joe Ward (6:1) in their gold medal bout at the AIBA Youth World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Fellow Australian Brett Mather claimed a bronze medal in the 60kg class making this Australia’s best ever result at any World Championships, open or age group.
Both Hooper and Ward had to overcome tough draws in reaching the 75kg final.
Ward the current reigning World Junior Champion defeated Albania (Referee Stopped Contest, Rd 2), Cuba (8:1), Russia (9:6) and Columbia (11:3). While Hooper also had some close bouts Kyrgyzstan (11:4), Germany (3:0), China (7:7) and Hungary (11:5).
Unfortunately for Hooper, Ward was too strong in the final, winning the gold medal with a 6:1 final score.
Ward started strongly to lead 2:0 at the end of the first round. Hooper got on the board in the second, but lost the round 3:1. In the final round there was only one scoring punch to Ward.
‘I boxed a clever fight with my hands tight,’ Ward said.
‘I stuck by the plan. Damien is a good mover but I don't think he's in my class. But you cannot underestimate him and he'll do well in the future.’
Hooper will now head back to Australia for a short stay before heading to Cuba .
Australia’s final results
Silver Medal - Damien Hooper AIS/NTID 75kg
Bronze Medal – Brett Mather 60kg
Top 8 – Jackson Woods 48kg
Top 32 – Brandon Ogilvie 57kg
Top 32 – Carlin Utia 69kg
Jayden Hansen (54kg) and Rohan Murdock (81kg) Jayden Hansen (54kg) and Rohan Murdock (81kg) lost their first bouts.
