PADDY BARNES AND Michael Conlan have won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, while Michaela Walsh had to settle for silver.
Barnes – who has twice secured bronze at the Olympic Games – beat Devandro Laishram after excelling in the opening two rounds and then defending his lead as the Indian competitor fought back in the third.
“Devendro Laishram is a strong fighter and wiry, I didn’t have a plan I just got stuck in,” said Barnes to the BBC after his fight.
“I fought him before in the Olympics in London, again then it was a tough fight. The boxer who wins the first round wins the fight 99% of the time, so winning that was key.”
In beating Laishram, Barnes has defended the light-flyweight gold medal he won at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Conlan – who won bronze at the 2012 Olympics – beat off the challenge of England’s Qais Ashfaq in the gold medal final of the bantam division.
Belfast fighter Conlan produced a powerful finish to the fight, landing a number of strong blows in the final round. After his victory was confirmed, the 22-year-old celebrated with his father and coach, John.
“That was the toughest fight,” said Conlan following his win. “It’s the first time I have been down after the first round. Today I knew I had it in me to drive on and that’s what I did. My father’s been my trainer all my life and it’s great to see him get so much recognition here at the Commonwealth Games.”
Earlier, Michaela Walsh was extremely unhappy after losing her women’s flyweight gold medal fight to England’s Nicola Adams on a split decision.
Walsh greeted the final bell with celebration, believing she had done enough to secure gold. However, the judges’ decision was in Adams’ favour and Walsh left the ring in disgruntled fashion.
It was a close fight but I wanted it that wee bit more,” Walsh told the BBC afterwards. “She is Olympic champion and the two judges had it level, but I know in my heart I won the fight.
“I’d like to say congratulations to Nicola Adams, she is a great boxer for women’s boxing but I do feel I have been cheated of the gold.”
Team NI’s Joe Fitzpatrick also picked up a silver medal after losing out to Charlie Flynn of Scotland in the final of the men’s lightweight class.
Flynn proved a demanding opponent for Fitzpatrick in the gold medal final, cleverly picking his punches and securing a unanimous win. Fitzpatrick showed good sportsmanship in raising the Scots’ hand when the decision was confirmed.
This article was originally published at 15.14, then updated at 16.47.
