Ryota Murata becomes Olympic Champion at Middleweight

Japanese southpaw Ryota Murata faced Esquiva Falcao Florentino of Brazil in an enthralling battle in the Middleweight (75kg) final.

Both boxers had skill and power and each exhibited good variations in their punches, with a huge number being thrown from all directions. Murata connected with some hard hooks to take the first 5:3.

The Brazilian orthodox fighter was moving well, looking to make that jab count before unloading some good uppercuts but his rival’s big frame and tight defences were extremely difficult to pierce through. Falcao Florentino’s sheer persistence ensured he reduced his deficit by a point going into the third.

The closing stages were riveting as the Brazilian looked to dominate by throwing a whole load of punches, one right in particular rocking Murata but the savvy Japanese came back and scored vital points right at the death to claim the gold medal by winning 14:13.

Great Britain’s Anthony Ogogo and Abbos Atoev of Uzbekistan were the two semi-finalists rewarded with bronze medals for their efforts.

Source:  www.aiba-london2012.com/index.php/news/554-ryota-murata-becomes-olympic-champion-at-middleweight