Boxers get among the medals

Three New Zealand boxers assured themselves of Commonwealth Games medals today. They just aren’t sure yet what colour.

In boxing rules, all semi-finalists win medals because losing boxers do not fight for the bronze medal. Instead both losing semi-finalists are awarded bronzes.

That was good news for three of the four New Zealand boxers who fought quarter-finals today.
Alexis Pritchard, New Zealand’s experienced 57kg competitor, outclassed Keshani Han Sika of Sri Lanka to advance to the semi-finals.

Pritchard won every round on all the judges’ cards and was particularly severe in the first round. Sika fought valiantly but Pritchard was too quick and too skilled.

New Zealand’s 91kg fighter, David Nyika, a gold medallist in Glasgow in 2014, had even less trouble. He was given a walkover by Christian Tsoye and advanced to the semi-finals.

In the men’s 69kg division, Leroy Hindley faced tough Northern Irishman Aidan Walsh and found the going too tough, losing a clearcut decision.

Hindley battled bravely, but the Northern Irishman packed a good punch and had a wide array of skills.

In the late bout, New Zealand’s 91+kg boxer, Patrick Mailata faced another Northern Irishman, Stephen McMonagle. 

Mailata was totally dominant, knocking down McMonagle twice and winning every round on every scoresheet.