Boxing New Zealand Results - Day Three

M 75kg            (R 16) Ryan Scaife lost to Maikhel Muskita (Indonesia) split decision

M 81kg            (R 16) Jerome Pampallone lost to Bekzad Nurdauletov (Kazakhstan) 5-0

Ryan Scaife v Indonesia

The next 75kg middleweight encounter is between New Zealand's Ryan Scaife and Maikhel Muskita of Indonesia. Scaife, all in black. Muskita, despite being only 19, looks by far the bigger man and it's a ding-dong opener, both boxers giving as good as they're getting. Muskita probably nicked it, some of those right hands came with relish. Yep, it's 3-2 Muskita.

Scaife, a Commonwealth Games quarter-finalist in 2018, keeps coming forward but Muskita is just a bit too cute for him, picking him off with jabs and not a few right hands. Well, the judges prefer Scaife, 3-2... Big overhand right by Scaife, no quarter given. Couple of spearing jabs from Muskita, lovely short right, before Scaife stops him in his tracks with a chopping right cross.

Good fight this. Scaife wears a beautiful combination from Muskita, but continues to throw. Cracking fight, both men giving it everything until the final bell, and it's a case of what do you prefer - Muskita's more accurate pinch picking or Scaife's relentless pressure? Muskita has it, via split decision.

Jerome Pampellone v Meets Current World Champion

Some light-heavyweights now, kicking off with world champion and top seed Bekzad Nurdauletov of Kazakhstan against New Zealand's Jerome Pampellone. Not much going on in the first half of the opening round, very much a scouting mission on both sides, but Pampellone certainly holding his own. Pampellone landing with some smart counter-right hands but the judges make it 3-2 Nurdauletov.

Pampellone pressing the action in the second and having plenty of success, off either hand. Nurdauletov struggling to impose himself on the Kiwi but he does get a couple of left hooks through. Another terrific left hook on the inside from the Kazakh, who had to win six bouts to become a world champion last year, so knows plenty of ways to win. 5-0 across the board for the top seed.

Nurdauletov suddenly looks the bigger man in round three, as often happens when a boxer takes control of a bout. Pampellone still giving it everything, and getting shots through, but Nurdauletov just knew too much - the top seed through to the last eight.

Source: Olympic Channel          Live Blog – day three

Article added: Friday 06 March 2020