Local Olympian Cameron Hammond has been knocked out of the Games going down to Canada’s Custio Clayton 14-11 at the weekend.
Hammond opened the fight well keeping his opponent at bay (2-2 in round one) and was equal with Clayton on points going into the final round (5-5).
Clayton landed numerous left hooks which, as the round wore on, he combined with right uppercuts and crosses.
One uppercut rocked Hammond with 30 seconds remaining and he did well to stay on his feet as the Canadian continued to swing accurately.
The 22-year-old Moree boxer, who is also the number five-ranked boxer in the world in the 69kg division, was unhappy not to come away with the win.
“If I had kept the same pace I had going in the first and second I would have won it,” Hammond told reporters after the match.
“I could have done way better but that’s life and that’s boxing.”
Although Hammond was disappointed with his performance, particularly in the final round, his family and former coach praised him for his efforts throughout the Games.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Cameron.
“He did a great service to his town, his family and his country,” his mum, Vicki Hammond, said.
Moree Boxing Academy coach Danny Cheetham said a sudden change in “The Hammer’s” game plan going into the final round, could have lost him the fight.
“Cameron controlled the first two rounds well,” Cheetham said.
“If he continued the fight in the third round similar to the opening two rounds, it could have been a different story,” Cheetham said.
The shock loss was a bitter sweet ending to an outstanding Olympics debut, according to Cheetham.
“What a performance from Cameron.
“Most of the fighters left in the competition would be competing in their second Olympic Games. He has a bright future ahead of him.
“The world is at his feet,” Cheetham said.
This defeat leaves Australia with two male boxers left from their original squad of 10 men - Damien Hooper and Jeff Horn, both of whom fight on day eight.
Hammond plans to cheer on the remaining Aussies from the other side of the ring.
