The first day’s action has concluded in Moscow at the Popenchenko Tournament and Team Scotland has again performed with distinction against World Class opposition.
Bouts reports from the three contests are as follows:
64kg – Maksim Akopov (Russia) V Jason Easton (Scotland)
Round 1 saw the Russian attempting to draw Jason on to him with a low hands stance looking to counter the Scotsman attacks. This proved unsuccessful as Jason’s accurate long range punches found there target more often than not, giving the first round to Scotland.
Round 2 saw Jason begin with an air of confidence as again he picked off his opponent with crisp straight punches and a left hook midway through the second round that saw a wobble in Akopov’s legs. This however seemed to spur to the Russian into action and by the end of the round it was Akopov who was landing the clearer more solid punches which swung the round in his favour.
Round 3 saw Jason start the brighter of the two connecting with some wonderful combinations but somehow his punches seemed to lack real power and you could see the Scotsman beginning to looked tired as the round wore on. Akopov sensed this opportunity and he took the centre of the ring and dictated the contest from the midway point of the round to the final bell landing far more telling shots and winning the round in the process.
Final Score: 2-1 Russia
75kg – Vitali Bondarenko (Belarus) V Kieran Smith (Scotland)
Round 1 saw a cagey start to the round by both boxers as they tried to figure each other out but it was Kieran who got the measure of the enormous looking Russian first with a flurry of combinations and stinging back hands that had the big Russian backing up and he looked relieved to hear the bell for the end of the round.
Round 2 – Kieran began this round were he left off in the first and his accuracy and movement was making the Russian look rather clumsy at times. However, he did possess a powerful right hand which he caught Kieran with midway through the round and this was possibly the only notable punch landed by Bondarenko. Again it was Kieran who finished the round well on top winning round two with ease.
Round 3 – Kieran was now well and truly in the driving seat and the Russian’s only hope was to land one of the bombs he had been trying to land since round one. This was unsuccessful and Kieran was able to pick him off with more great combinations as the Russian charged forward looking to land the big right hand. Kieran boxed a very sensible third round pacing himself all the way to the final bell and victory for Scotland.
Final Score: 3-0 Scotland
81kg – Tommy Philbin (Scotland) V Sergii Litvinov (Russia)
Round 1 began with the very tall and rangy Russian using his natural assets to very good effect keeping Tommy on the end of his long jab. Tommy struggled to get in range and whenever he did Litvinov would simply ‘lie on’ and wait for the ‘break’. Not much in it at the end of the first but the big Russian got the nod mainly due to his impressive jab.
Round 2 – Tommy tried to take the fight to Litvinov which saw them cover every inch of the ring with some joy for the Scotsman as a few straight rights found there target but again it was the tall Russians use of his jab and his more accurate combination that saw him also take round two.
Round 3 began with Tommy knowing he had to come up with one big punch if he had any chance of winning this contest. Alas, it was not to be and the more awkward than skilful Russian kept Tommy at bay with the jab. Any time Tommy did get through, the tall Russian would simply tie him up and wait for the referee to call break. A valiant effort by Tommy but not enough this time round.
Final Score: 3-0 Russia
Great performances from all our boxers today, especially Kieran Smith, whose victory and progression to the semi-finals means Scotland is now guaranteed a minimum of five bronze medals in this tournament.
Full details of tomorrow’s semi final bouts will be posted in due course
