T&T boxer Nigel Paul received a silver medal after he was beaten in the Super heavyweight final of the AIBA Americas Olympic Boxing Qualifiers in Argentina by Cuba’s Lenier Pero 3-0 yesterday.
However, it will not affect Paul, who in only his 11th career fight, had sealed a place at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in Brazil later this year. After what was a very subdued performance by Paul, the judges ruled in favour of the Cuban 10-9 in all three rounds to hand him the victory and the resulting gold medal.
In the opening round Paul hardly threw punches at his opponent and appeared as though he was looking for the knock-out punch. Pero on the otherhand, landed freely and racked up quick points. But Paul came alive in the final round, chasing Pero in search of a knock-out but the Cuban held him off. Paul will return home today and will be hosted at a reception at the VIP Lounge of the Piarco International Airport by Minister of Sports Darryl Smith.