Campbell triumphs

The British boxer used all his ring craft to defeat his Irish opponent and claim gold

LUKE CAMPBELL won Britain’s first men’s boxing gold of the Games by defeating John Joe Nevin of Ireland in a contest that was expected to be close, and was for the first two rounds. But Campbell dominated the third with a brilliant display of counterpunching, dominating and knocking down Nevin for a standing count of eight.

Showing perhaps too much respect, the two men stayed out of range in the early stages of the first, feinting and withdrawing.

After a minute, hostilities began in earnest as Nevin launched a darting attack, using his noted speed to get into range, land three quick blows, and withdraw.

Both men are counter-punchers but Nevin had decided to take the initiative. He had success with several such rushing attacks