Stephen faced last years Schoolboy European Gold Medallist in the competitions opening contest, facing Simonyan from Armenia in the 60kg division. From the opening bell, Stephen looked to impose his greater height and reach advantage on the shorter Simonyan, and launched quick fire 2 to 3 punch combinations at long range.
The Scotsman forced the pace initially; unfortunately however the experienced Armenian deployed a water tight guard, not allowing many of the crisp combinations to land on the target area. Simonyan then started to add to his punch repertoire behind an effective positive defence, immediately responding to Stephen’s leading attacks with clinical bent arm punches. The Armenian started to edge the momentum of the contest in the second round, now adding to his classy defence with evasive movement at the waist, launching immediate counter attacks in response to the pressing Scotsman’s punches.
The determined Stephen never let up, landing with eye catching rear hands after closing the gap with a piercing jab. However, the Armenian was landing the defining last punch in the majority of the exchanges, and even though the Scotsman gave it his all right to the final bell, the momentum had kept with Simonyan by way of slick 2 fisted counter punching. Stephen can be proud of his performance today, with the Scotsman giving a good account of himself against one of Europe’s best.
Winner by Split Decision: Arman Simonyan ARM
