Tishchenko takes heavyweight boxing gold

The Russian boxer triumphed in an even final to take gold. The judges scorecards had Kazahstan’s Vassiliy Levit narrowly ahead after the first round, with two out three giving it to him, as Levit prevented the world champion from using his height and longer reach to any effect by smothering him. They were unanimous in giving the second round to the Russian.

In the decisive third round, the Russian required medical attention. Both men hit out wildly as Tishchenko slipped on the canvas. He momentarily lost his balance as the two boxers grappled and had to be treated for a cut. The referee called a halt with 51 seconds remaining. As the fight resumed, both boxers gave their all to swing the close encounter their way, launching into a flurry of punches.

Tishchenko said: “In between the rounds, my coach told me that everything was going smoothly. The third round was the decisive one. I did all I could and exhausted all my efforts as was allowed by my capacity, by my physical skills, and my preparation.”

“Now I feel that everything is over and I need some relaxation and then I will draw my conclusions, consider what happened. I would like to thank all the coaches, my personal coach, all the medical personnel and all the support team who've helped me. Without them it could not have happened,” said silver medallist Levit.

The bronze medals went to losing semi-finalists Rustam Tulaganov of Uzbekistan and Erislandy Savon of Cuba.