Going head-to-head for the Light Welterweight (64kg) gold medal were the experienced Cuban southpaw Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo and Denys Berinchyk of Ukraine.

An action-packed first round saw the two going toe-to-toe in the centre of the ring as the Ukrainian orthodox fighter looked to draw his rival into a slug fest. The 2009 AIBA World Champion from Cuba though demonstrated an exquisite repertoire of shots and did not allow Berinchyk to impose himself, with Iglesias Sotolongo taking the round by a point, 5:4, after connecting with some crisp hooks.

It was fast and furious in the second with Berinhcyk looking to overpower his opponent once more, but the Cuban kept his composure, unloading some sensational shots, including a cute right uppercut as he took the second by a point.

It was real clash of styles with Iglesias Sotolongo a classy operator, full of finesse, against a pure brawler. The Cuban’s technique was in a league of its own, proving he could mix it up with anyone as he recorded an impressive 22:15 victory. Iglesias Sotolongo was overjoyed, doing a lap of honour with the Cuban flag, to the acclaim of the crowd.

The Olympic gold medallist declared afterwards, "Today is the most important day of my career. Without my family I could not have achieved this victory. I dedicate it to them”.

For the medal ceremony, Italy’s Vincenzo Mangiacapre and Munkh-Erdene Uranchimeg of Mongolia joined the two finalists to collect their bronze medals.