Damien Hooper has firmed as the favourite to take the gold in the men’s 75kg division boxing at the Youth Olympic Games after defeating junior world No 1 Joe Ward in three sets.
Damien Hooper has firmed as the favourite to take the gold in the men’s 75kg division boxing at the Youth Olympic Games after defeating junior world No 1 Joe Ward in three sets.
Hooper will now fight Hungarian Zoltan Harcsa who he has beaten convincingly in the past.
Hooper was beaten by Ward at the junior world titles late last year and has been itching at having another crack at the plucky Irishman.
“I’ve wanted to fight him again since he beat me last year and I’m glad I’ve taken my chance,” Hooper said.
“I was a bit wary going in but as soon I switched I knew was going to beat him.
“I don’t think anyone can beat me when I’m switched on. It’s not over yet though – I’ve still got to beat two good opponents.
“As far as I can see with Joe out of the way, there’s no-one here who’s as good as me. I’m not taking anyone lightly or anything like that, but I’m pretty confident of going the whole way now.”
In the opening round, neither fighter was giving away anything, with Hooper staying tight and almost connecting with a sweeping right hook that glazed the Irishman’s head gear.
While Ward advanced and was always on the front foot, Hooper defended well and the first round remained pointless at 0-0.
The second round started much the same, until a flurry of short range shots to the head caught Hooper off guard and the Irishman was awarded the first point of the match.
Midway through the second round, Hooper began his fight back – a shot to the head with a right jab scored him his first point and in the dying seconds of the round, while on the back foot, the Australian snuck in another quick shot to take a two-one lead into the third and final round.
The Irishman came out desperate to claw back the lead, throwing several loose shots which Hooper was able to deflect.
Ward was able to sneak a point back, but it was for only a moment as Hooper scored twice more to close out the round.
Hooper’s next fight is on Monday.
Elliot Woods
AOC