SCOTLAND’S Reese Lynch cleared his first hurdle as he attempts to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games with a unanimous decision victory this evening.
The 21-year-old defeated Latvia’s Marcis Grundulis on points to progress to the Round of 16 at the European Games.
While the majority of the multi-sport competition is being held in Krakow, the boxing is being hosted in the much quieter surroundings of the Polish town of Zakopane, about 100km further south near the border of Slovakia.
There was a lack of atmosphere in the Nowy Targ Arena which did little to amplify the importance of the contest occurring in the ring, with Reese trying to become just the second Scot in 30 years to qualify for an Olympics.
The Rob Roy boxer knows that he will need to reach at least the Semi-Finals of the competition in order to secure one of four Olympic Light-Welterweight spaces that are on offer.
The first of three victories needed to do just that has been secured as the reigning Commonwealth Games champion showcased his boxing skills to defeat his Latvian opponent.
It was a smooth opening round from the Scot, as he boxed on the backfoot and landed a number of straight jabs and backhands.
The GB Boxing squad member continued to use great footwork and upper body movement as he looked to secure each of the opening two rounds by a wide margin.
Reese seemed to take his foot off the pedal in the third, perhaps knowing the result was effectively secured, with Grundulis landing some nice body shots in the final round.
However, the result was never in doubt with the Scot taking a unanimous decision and moving forward to the Round of 16 where he will box Bulgaria’s Radoslav Rosenov on Sunday evening.
European Games, Friday 23rd June Result;
63.5kg Round of 32 – Reese Lynch (SCO) beat Marcis Grundulis (LAT) via unanimous decision.
