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Southpaw Sean McComb keeps Ireland hot on the medal trail

However, Dean Walsh lost out in his light welterweight quarter-final.

Updated 11.10

BELFAST BOXER SEAN McComb secured himself a minimum reward of a bronze medal with a convincing quarter-final win at the inaugural European Games.

Sean McComb in action against Yasin Yilmaz Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

McComb advances to the Lightweight (60kg) division semi-final after defeating Turkey’s Yasin Yilmaz.

In a bout between two southpaws, McComb used his superior height and reach to his advantage throughout and the combination of fast footwork left Yilmaz few chances to score.

Sean McComb is declared the winner against Yasin Yilmaz Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

McComb’s intelligent and patient style earned him a clear lead after the first round with all three judges scoring the fight his way.

That early cushion gave McComb the confidence to leave his tactics unchanged and it was only when he went conservative in round three that Yilmaz closed the gap on the scoresheet. McComb was still doing enough to remain in control though and neither fighter was in any doubt about the decision when the final bell rang.

Dean Walsh awaits the result of his bout Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

McComb’s fight was in stark contrast to Dean Walsh’s light welterweight against fourth seed Kastriot Sopa.

Walsh overpowered by the German, who was in his first fight of the Games after two byes, in the first and final rounds and wound up losing by unanimous decision.

The Wexford man did manage to box his way back on level terms after round two, but by then he knew he would be penalised a point for use of the head in a testy contest between two fighters with similar styles.

Originally published 10.45

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