Anthony Joshua staged an incredible last round comeback against
Roberto Cammerelle to scoop gold at the ExCel Centre this
afternoon.
The 22-year-old super-heavyweight found himself trailing by
three points going to the final frame and had to rally against the
reigning Olympic champion.
When the bell sounded, both boxers were tied at 18 points apiece
and Joshua was given the nod via countback.
Cammerelle's team mounted an appeal but it proved fruitless.
The victory makes Joshua the second Briton to win
super-heavyweight gold since the division was introduced at the Los
Angeles Games in 1984.
Audley Harrison scooped amateur boxing's most prestigious prize
in Sydney twelve years ago while Lennox Lewis has also achieved the
feat but his 1988 victory was done under the colours of Canada.
"There are no easy fights in these Olympics," Joshua said. "I
have pulled it out of the bag and my heart is pumping with
adrenaline.
"The third round is always a good round for me. Again and again,
the crowd have come out.
"That medal represents my journey and the support from my team.
It is much more than a gold medal, it is a life experience."
Joshua's success takes Team GB's boxing medal haul to five and
is the third gold following Luke Saunders and Nicola Adams
acheivements.
Earlier in the afternoon, Fred Evans failed in his bid to become
the first Welshman to win an Olympic gold in boxing when he dropped
a 17-9 verdict to Serik Sapiyev of Kazakhstan.
"No excuses, he was sharper and I did not stick to my plan
correctly," Evans said.
"I am still young at 21, so I have done well and I am over the
moon."
12/08/2012 19:43:24