London: India’s last standing boxer Devendro Singh has been knocked out of the London Olympics after he went down bravely to Paddy Barnes of Ireland 18-23 in the quarter-final bout of the men’s 49 kg light flyweight event here at the Excel Centre on Wednesday.
MC Mary Kom is the only Indian boxer who will return home with a medal. The Indian men’s team did not have a very good outing at the quadrennial event with Beijing Games bronze medallist Vijender Singh and Devendro Singh making it to the last eight stage.
Even though the 20 year old Indian made his intent clear that he was up for a fight, it was his inexperience that led to his downfall. The young Indian pugilist taking on the Beijing Games bronze medallist did give it his all and was busy trading punches but then the Irishman was very good at defence.
The Irishman won the first round 7-5 and he maintained the tempo right through to take an unassailable 17-10 lead in the second which included two penalty points.
In the third and final round Devendro came out all guns blazing and make amends but then could not cut down on the lead even though he won the round 8-6. Barnes also conceded two points for putting his head down too much to avoid punches.
By Indian Sports News Network
