75kg Andrey Kovalchick RUS v Kieran Smith SCO
In what was to be a clash of styles over the 3 rounds, from the opening bell it could be seen the Scotsman would control proceedings at long range, with the Russian favouring close to mid-range boxing. Kieran started well, launching flush southpaw rear hands at distance. However, the Russian always looked at closing the gap so he could unleash his favoured bent arm punching. When the Scotsman corrected the feet to control and maintain the gap, the momentum was firmly with Team Scotland as the 1st round progressed. However, as the contest matured, Kieran found himself engaging in close range battles, which suited his Russian opponent. Although Kovalchick struggled to pierce the Scotsman’s tight defence at close range, tactically this would favour the Russian from the judge’s perspective. The momentum swung to and fro throughout, with the neater work being delivered from Kieran at long range, but the tactical gains were edging to the Russian in the close quarter battles. At the conclusion, there wasn’t much to split the 2 boxers, it was whether the judges favoured Kieran’s repertoire at long range, or the tactical momentum the Russian capitalised on at close range. Unfortunately for Kieran, Kovalchick’s hand was raised at the final bell, with the Scotsman missing out on a close decision.
Winner: Kovalchick UNAMINOUS
60kg Mark McKeown SCO v Franky Ba FIN
The local favourite Ba started fast, taking the momentum early by combining unorthodox looping punches to both head and body. However, going into the 2nd round, Mark stepped up the pace and started to initiate the attacks, finding the target with spiteful rear hands. The Scotsman was now forcing the pace, with the Fin now looking to retreat into space to escape from the pressure coming his way. Ba started fast in the last round, however Mark weathered the storm and fought fire with fire. The crowd were relishing the heated exchanges, with Mark showing true Braveheart spirit. Never letting up, Mark kept the momentum by finishing last in the exchanges, throwing accurate rear hand counters over the top of the Fin’s now depleting guard. The action didn’t let up until the final bell, much to the delight of the crowd. In what was a great comeback from the Scotsman, Team Scotland celebrated as Mark’s hand was raised overcoming the local favourite to progress to the semi-final.
Winner: Mark McKeown SPLIT
81kg Jere Jokinen FIN v Scott Forrest FIN
In what was to be an excellent all round performance from Team Scotland’s Light Heavyweight, Scott silenced the crowd from the opening bell with crisp quick fire attacks. The Scotsman closed the gap on last year’s local Silver medallist with a defence piercing double jab, then finished with accurate rear hands to both head and body. As the bout matured, the Fin’s frustration only boosted the confidence of Team Scotland’s 2012 World Youth Silver Medallist. Preparing each attack with provoking feints, Scott was now employing quick direction changes and slick pattern of movement, landing with both hands from all ranges. Realising he had lost the 2 rounds, Jokinen came out with all guns blazing in the 3rd and final round. However, Scott weather the storm and tactically absorbed the pressure. After the 30 second onslaught, Scott retaliated by launching 2 fisted counter attacks in response to the Fins now wavering punches. The Scotsman walked his opponent down with slick movement at the waist, evading the majority of the responsive punches then retaliating with accurate single punches on target. There could be only one winner when the final bell sounded, with the Scotsman securing a solid win over the local boxer.
Winner: Scott Forrest UNAMINOUS
