IRELAND’S BRENDAN IRVINE has made an early exit at the Olympic Games following defeat in his opening flyweight fight.
The 20-year-old was well beaten by his opponent, Uzbekistan fighter Shakhobidin Zoirov, who produced a superb performance showing great variety in his shots, landing big hits to Irvine’s body and head.
Zoirov, was quick and aggressive from the outset, and outclassed the young Irish fighter throughout his Olympic debut.
Irvine, who is Ireland’s youngest boxer in Rio, entered the final round knowing that only a knockout would see the Belfast man through to Monday’s round of 16, but it proved to be an insurmountable task.
The judges awarded Zoirov the win with an unanimous decision of 30-27, 30-26, 30-27.
Hotline Rings: Rio 2016 / SoundCloud
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