Highlights Boxing

Hello and welcome to Hamburg, home of the 2017 boxing World

Championships. 12 British boxers have qualified to be here and will

battle it out to be crowned the best in the world. But that will not be

easy. Britain has not had a mental is that world champion for ten

years. With Olympic medal heroes including Nicola Adams turning

professional after Rio, it is almost an entirely new squad aiming for

Tokyo 2020. GB's next-generation has started their journey with a

record-breaking bang. The European champion!

England boxing have won more medals than any other nation. They showed

their potential at the European Championships, doing so well. When

you look at it, we have got a boxer with a decent level of experience at

each weight. My strengths in the ring while desiring to be the best.

I think my main attribute is my ability to hit in the ring. People

think my power is my best attribute but it is my feet. My boxing style

is about movement. I am tall, rangy, orthodox. Not many people can keep

up, to be fair. When I am in the ring, they cannot touch me. I have

the fastest feet. I am a good counterpuncher. If I hit you, you

are going down. We took 12 boxes to Rio, we have two remaining. It is

almost started in scenario. There is decent experience already in the

team and real inexperience as well. I put my body through hell the past

six weeks. Sometimes, you have got to be willing to go through hell to

dance in heaven. Just looking to become a superstar. You have to

worry about yourself, make sure you are in the best shape you can be. I

will be reaching for the bar. We all want to be the same thing, world

champion. I was a bit of a boy at Rio and now I am turning into a man.

We are not there to make the numbers, we are going there to be

business. They showed in the Europeans they can step up, but the

worlds is as tough as it gets. On the day, they are capable of winning

medals and doing well. This is that sports hall in Hamburg where the

boxing will be taking place. To discuss the action, two Olympic

bronze medallists. Ritchie, you are one of the GB boxing coaches, you

know the scene well. Relatively youthful, inexperienced, what can we

expect from them? You are right, it is an inexperienced team, but there

is talent right through it. A former Olympian. A little bit of

experience. We're hoping for big things. I liked the look of Pat

McCormick as well, another Olympian. The rest of the lads, very

inexperienced, but they did really well at the European Championships

and let us hope they can go one step further and do well in this

tournament. You know all about this competition, you competed at the

World Championships. What is it like in the build up to the event and how

difficult is it to compete? Really tough competition. The World

Championships, very tough. You have guys from all over the world. I have

been in the system, trained alongside Richie and the guys, a

great coaching network, and the guys have trained hard and they will be

ready. For me, I am excited to see who will nudge ahead, who will put

themselves on the world stage and say, I am going to win a medal in

Tokyo 2020. It will be a great event. Only two of the current squad

out of ten competed in Rio. GB boxing has essentially had to start

from scratch every four years. How difficult is that? You have hit it

on the head. It has been decimated, the squad. They have dreams of being

professional world champions. We are trying to get the lads to the

Olympic Games to win Olympic gold medals. We are trying to make them

see they have so much potential in the amateur game. It is very

difficult when the promoter comes along and you see the Anthony

Joshuas who have turned pro, lots of money, they want to be world

champions, but we want to get them to the Olympics to get the gold

medal and everyone in the team here, England and Scotland, I think they

are good enough to go on and win medals at the Olympic Games. You

know about that, when a promoter comes knocking at your door after

your Olympic bronze medal in London 2012, you turn professional. How

strong is the draw of the glamour and money? Ritchie can testify this

again, when you have boxed at the Olympic Games, it is hard to go back

around the world and go to Luxembourg, Lithuania, get yourself

up for it. Hence the reason I turned pro, it was not for the money, it

was for the big nights, like the Olympic Games. We are here, the

Olympics are three years away, everyone is here to set out their

stall and to try to win a medal and this is a great opportunity. This is

a hard competition, Cubans, Americans, how difficult is it for a

British boxer to come here and stand on the podium? Very difficult. I

remember it in 1989, first round against the Cuban number one,

favourite for the gold medal. You can draw a Cuban in the first round,

Russian, Kazakhstan, highly ranked. You have to listen to your ability

and listen to the coaches and the tactics. All of the lads are

talented but you need a bit of luck in the draw. Thank you for your

thoughts. The best of the highlights through the afternoon. First in

Hamburg, the new European champion. My name is Peter McGrail, 56 kilos,

bantamweight category. My boxing style is all about movement and fast

hands. People on social media have been calling me the Scouse... A good

person to be compared to! He has just joined Olympic boxing legends!

Peter McGrail is the European champion! I was always in the middle

stages, giving me confidence, going into the worlds. Pointless

feeling... You need to just worrying about yourself. To be the number one

in Europe, now to be champion of the world, just got to be champion of

the other half now! Seeded fourth, McGrail was given a bye in the first

preliminary round, before winning in the second. Then a matchup. He knew

a win would get him a bronze medal in his first World Championships. We

joined about in the third round. Your commentators Ronnie Michael

Tonge and Richie Woodall. -- Ronnie McIntosh. Some adjustment required

to the beltline. Not just a fashion statement. Good right hand from

McGrail. It must be visible at all times. McGrail gets a good jab to

the body. Hence the common expression below the belt. Anything

below the white line is an illegal punch. A better start of the round

from McGrail here. He seems to be on the front foot. His footwork has

been a little bit better. Does not want to be slowing it down.

Dangerous, De Los Santos, when he conceived the attacks coming, he is

effective with his right hand. So important McGrail keeps the movement

going side to side, in and out. The tactic for the man in blue. The man

in red, when he slows it down, he is still very dangerous indeed. I spoke

with McGrail in between sessions at the championships. Global medallist

already at the youth Olympic bronze in 2014 and World Championship

bronze at the youth level that same year. Here he is one win away from

repeating that. Confident mood when we spoke in Hamburg. Family support

as well. His mother and father are here along with other family members

who have come over from Liverpool. Lovely left hand from the man in

blue. De Los Santos responds with a right hand to the body. Not as much

activity coming from the man in red. The action and stews once again. I

am puzzled with the tactics from De Los Santos. Boxing as if he is well

ahead and I disagree. McGrail is probably no winning it. McGrail

seems to think he is winning, boxing at a place where he is trying to get

through it and for me that is not enough. Better work again from the

left hand with McGrail. On the ropes. McGrail could not capitalise.

They fell into one another. Final 30 seconds here. From my vantage point,

in the commentary position in Hamburg, McGrail has done better

work in the final round of a contest that appeared to be in the balance.

Good one - two combination. McGrail puts his man in a headlock. In no

hurry to let him go. All of these things, body language of a man who

thinks he has got the contest in the bag. Has it been a dangerous tactic

from the Manning read? Right at the end of the bell. I think this man's

celebrations are premature -- the man in red. He did brilliantly in

the second round after a good first round from McGrail. The third round

has surely been won by this man. They are seated all around the

boxing ring. They will have different advantage points. But

McGrail with a really strong conclusion to the contest. De Los

Santos, does he know something we do not? The body language at the end,

he thought he had clearly won and I totally disagree with him and I

agree with you. McGrail had a better last round from our viewpoint, I

think he is the winner. In the blue corner... McGrail, the reigning

European champion has defeated the reigning America's continental

champion on a split decision verdict 4-1. The man from Merseyside is

through to the podium after a terrific display. I am made up. Over

the moon. I could not celebrate because I could not get better than

a bronze... Made up. All of the family are here, proud, everyone

back home in Liverpool and my girlfriend, everyone, everyone is

buzzing. A clearly delighted McGrail into the semifinals where he would

face the Kazakhstan boxer who had already beaten a top seed early on.

Right away, 56 kilograms bantamweight action. This is the

semifinal stage, both of these men guaranteed at least Championship

bronze. Ranked number 18 in the world, Kairat Yeraliyev, reigning

two time national Championship gold medallist. His opponent is a four

time national champion of England and Great Britain, ranked number 13

in the world, Peter McGrail. Movement, one of the hallmarks of

McGrail's boxing. Terrific in the pocket when seemingly in punching

range. Move so effectively around the clock face, hitting and moving,

presenting a different angle. The problem Kairat Yeraliyev will have

here is the movement from McGrail and the man in blue is accomplished

with his movement, side to side, that is what he has got to do

against the man in red, Yeraliyev. A fairly powerful man. The problem

will be controlling McGrail's movement. McGrail has got to hit and

move and Yeraliyev has got to try to slow down his feet. Yeraliyev

putting all of his weight on the back foot, and effective shot from

McGrail. Yeraliyev being spoken to about his arm. Thrusting his for

harm -- forearm beneath the neck of McGrail, testing his strength. Both

men moving counterclockwise. I know these two have sparred each other

because Kazakhstan have been over the GB and shared some multination

training camps and sparring sessions. These two have sparred.

They know all about each other. A bit of success with the 1-2

combination. Left hand behind the right jab has got through on a

couple of occasions in the last 30 seconds. Can the left-hand from

McGrail after Yeraliyev was wide of the mark. McGrail coming forward.

The referee is allowing them to work away. Neither boxer really doing so.

McGrail slightly quicker, slightly faster hands. Looking at Yeraliyev,

the punches coming more and wide with his work, that is why McGrail

is catching him with the sharp left hands. Left-hand success for the man

in red who is adopting a hand down faster. Shots on the inside to the

body of Yeraliyev. Ten second clapper, the concluding stages of

the opening round. McGrail, wide-eyed in concentration. McGrail

backs up. Touch of blood between the two men -- sporting touch of love.

Movement good from McGrail. Just catches McGrail with the straight

1-2. Dangerous, the man in red. McGrail beaten him to the shops. --

shots. The second round. The outstanding performance by Peter

McGrail at the quarterfinals to eliminate the tournament number five

seed from the Dominican Republic. But that display from Yeraliyev

against a man who beat him two times out of two in the second preliminary

round, he beat the reigning Olympic bronze medallist, sensational, the

emotion expressed by McGrail when his hand was raised, good right jab,

he has built upon that -- the emotion expressed by Yeraliyev. He

has carried that confidence throughout the competition.

Yeraliyev quickening the tempo. Fairly wide stance. He uses the

laid-back. Very important for both boxes to hold the centre of the

ring. McGrail slowed down his feet. He has to keep hitting and moving

and going to the side. Better movement from McGrail. He has to

capitalise on it and make his opponent miss and then he has to

score, the man in blue. Good left-hand there, McGrail. Yeraliyev

retweeting voluntarily from the ropes, trying to lay a trap,

catching McGrail in the square on stance. Good defence with the right

hand blocking the shot from Yeraliyev. When your opponent's feet

are slow, you have to do the opposite. He wants you to stand and

trade, trying to slow you down. If his feet are very slow. You have to

quicken up, in and out, side to side, that is what McGrail has to

do. Yeraliyev is occasionally making McGrail stand and trade. McGrail has

to move. Yeraliyev needs him to stay in one place. Making the man in red

miss. No counter from McGrail. Did not get through with anything

effective. Spoken to about holding his

opponent, McGrail. Pulling down on the back of his head. Yosbany Veitia

with his wide legged stance, straight punches there, another

right hand from Yeraliyev. Catching McGrail coming in. Terrific from

Yeraliyev. Beautiful shot. Good work from McGrail in and out as well. The

man in blue is moving better. When he makes his opponent miss, he has

to come back and the -- and score. Both men are smiling in the

direction of one another. They exchange another sporting touch of

glove. They will be fairly pleased in the blue corner. Good work from

McGrail. Caught with their left hand from Yeraliyev who was always

dangerous. Good movement from Peter McGrail. After the side. Done his

work, back out to safety. Good boxing. The third and final round.

Ofwat has been a contest of contrasting styles. Peter McGrail

exhibiting wonderful manoeuvres, dipping at the knees, nice head

movement. Yeraliyev more flat-footed, good shocked the body

and counter left-hand over the from McGrail. McGrail letting his hands

go. Good from the man in red. Starting to pick it up a bit,

Yeraliyev. The first 25 seconds of the round, he felt asleep, I

thought. McGrail did a lot better, started the round much quicker.

Yeraliyev, got to do more work, the man in red.

A bit of forearm from Yeraliyev. McGrail not complaining, the action

continues. Again, McGrail making the man miss repeatedly. Any veteran

will tell you it is a very frustrating exercise indeed, to be

hitting nothing but fresh air. To shot salvo to the body. Counter

left-hand upstairs. Good boxing. McGrail switched the attack and

stairs, afforded a couple of shots. McGrail, when moving, gets into a

rhythm, difficult to box against. Movement excellent again from the

man in blue. Hot shotting effectively with the two men

engaging in a stand-off. Staring at each other. Counter right hand from

McGrail with perhaps the best jab from that exchange. Working his own

left-hand now is Yeraliyev. The minute to go in the third and final

round. Yeraliyev trying to slow down the pace, draw his man, draw a lead

from his man that he can counter. McGrail remaining concentrated,

switching between high and low as well. It is Yeraliyev feeling the

pace, furtive glance to the red corner. Perhaps enquiring as to how

long is left. Is McGrail trying to look busy doing nothing to buy

himself sometime? I think he is struggling a little bit, Yeraliyev,

in terms of the pace. Probably a bit tired. Trying to stay on the outside

and wait for McGrail to come in. It is up to McGrail to push it home,

the faster work he has got. Surely McGrail has to test is conditioning

in the closing sessions, see how the man responds. Ten second clapper.

Yeraliyev, standing, looking threatening, but not doing very much

at all. How will the judges score it? Yeraliyev thinks he has got it

but McGrail immediately raises his right hand to his supporters in

Hamburg. It will be interesting to see. I think McGrail did the better

work in the last round. Dangerous, the left-hand, let us see who has

got it. Ladies and gentlemen, the winner... In the red corner... It is

McGrail, the 18th in the world, goes through to the gold bout with a

unanimous decision over Peter McGrail. Bronze for the man from

Merseyside. It means the world to me. To win another medal. My second

major tournament as a senior. Made up, all of the family are proud.

Gutted it is not gold. It was at the Europeans. A few more years

experience at the top level and a few more fights and I am pretty sure

I will be bringing a world gold-medal home. Not the result he

came for. Where did it go wrong? Firstly, I thought he boxed really

well. What a year, European champion, bronze medal at the World

Championships, cracking year, brilliant. He will be disappointed,

but he needs to remember three years before London Olympic Games, 2009, I

was not even in the GB squad. Three of us worked hard and got medals. He

has got a world at his feet. He should be really proud. We saw some

of the fancy footwork from McGrail that he has become famous for. From

what you have seen of him do you think you can go on the big things

and challenge for a medal at Tokyo 2020? 100%. Very young team here. We

have done well. Peter McGrail has boxed really well. The reason why he

did not win that fight is because the Catholic who is very expensed

and composed, what I would love to see McGrail do is work on the

outside a little bit -- the cows. At stages, it was like watching a

mirror, both guys very similar. If you can add the composure to his

game, he will be their or thereabouts next year, let alone in

three years' time. When someone wins a world medal, how much does that do

for team spirit? It will set the team alive. One of the best in the

world. That is fact. His confidence will go through the roof. Next time

he fights the Kazakhstan E fighter again, he will have an aura. The

guys will see him, his funding will go up, they will want a bit, they

will trade harder to get some of the action as well. What do you think

about his performance customer not as composed, but do you think he can

go on the big things? -- what do you think about his performance? He has

all of the tricks, the speed. What he does really well, he changes the

distance, he throws long hooks, Short hoax, straight, changes the

distance, terrific fighter, bags of talent, he will go all the way, I

really do think that. Not to be for McGrail or GB's Lee McGregor who was

beaten by a US fighter and it was Reagan who went onto the

bantamweight final. We are going to the third and final round between

two men contesting their fifth bout at Hamburg 2017. Both have got

through to the point. Good right hand from Ragan. Ragan looking to

rough up the man from the inside. Second preliminary round, Yeraliyev

terrific display. Hustling away at close quarters, trying to target the

body, increasingly physical. This is where Ragan wants it, but can he

exploited? He does want it on the inside. Ragan has done the better

work at mid and long range. But on the other hand, Yeraliyev, good work

from him on the inside. Scrappy and messy, getting through with some

shots. Stalemate. More success probably on the inside than he is at

long range. Not accurate enough at mid and long range. Instructed it is

Ragan who seems to be keen to initiate the clincher after an

initial burst of punches. On the inside. This is his fifth contest,

is he feeling the pace at the midpoint, approaching the midpoint,

of the third and final round? Loading up on the right hand,

missing by some distance, Ragan. Again, another physical tussle

causing Ragan to go down to the canvas. Spoken to about the

infraction, Yeraliyev, muscling down his man like that. Immediately take

up similar postures again. Difficult to judge. From the judges'

perspective on the inside. It is scrappy, messy, you cannot go either

way there. The referee having her hands full keeping them apart is

once again they fall into the chests of one another. Ragan working away

with his free right hand. Yeraliyev trying to tie him up. Is he saving

himself for a grandstand finish? Less than a minute to go. Again,

this is how he boxed against Peter McGrail. The furtive glance to the

red corner. He has got away with it so many times, the 1-2 and launches

forward with his left hand, leaning over. Ragan got to show composure

here. Again, he misses wildly, Yeraliyev. I think you are right, he

is showing signs of fatigue. The man in red. He keeps turning sideways as

well again. The referee is on him. He has been spoken to repeatedly

about various transgressions. Closing seconds, and lucky to pick

up an official warning here. Ten second clapper sanded. More

clinching than wrestling from mid and long range. The American

confident he has done enough to be the World Championship. Messy in the

bantamweight division of 56 K G. Terrible last round, quality was not

very good at all. Yeraliyev, he prefers this type of contest but

there is nothing cleaner that is landing for both boxes. The winner

by split decision... In the red corner... It is Yeraliyev! Kairat

Yeraliyev has claimed World Championship gold here by the

narrowest of margins. 3-2 on the scorecard over Duke Ragan from the

USA, the 19-year-old from Cincinnati, Ohio, in his first world

boxing Championships, he comes away with the fantastic silver medal, no

doubt disappointed at this stage, but that is plenty to build upon for

the American programme. They say the Worlds is the hardest

competition to win and that has proved that case here in Hamburg.

The Brett location rack went out in the second round to the Colombian,

and there was a similar fate for Niall Farrell who also fell in the

second round to another Colombian. Moving up a weight, and there must

be something in the water in the north-east. Burnley amateur boxing

club has become the first boxing club to have three Great Britain

fighters at a World Championships... 69 kilos, welterweight. Callum

French, 60 kilos, lightweight. That McCormack. We have been going

together since we were 12 years old... We have been best friends as

youngsters. Everyone thinks we are living the dream. Absolutely

fantastic performance by the young England boxing team. We hope we can

to the same at the Worlds. A great feeling, going away with a few met.

You want to win even more. A great feeling, going

away with a few mates. Looking forward to it, working and

living together. Firing at the moment. It is a different level

isn't it, the Worlds? It is our dream. Like anything in real life,

we will just go out there and do what we have to do. Boxing on the

big stage, with the best in the world.

So much confidence and water feet by the Birtley club to get the men to

this championship, but it wasn't to be for Calum French, to get the

Mexican in his first round, but then he was on the wrong end of a hotly

debated split decision against his Ukrainian born into. Frenchman Sofia

Young Bill -- Sofiane Feghouli -- Oumiha got through. The light

welterweight division was eventually won by the brilliant Cuban athlete

Andy Cruz, leaving it down to Pat MacCormack, and the Rio Olympian had

two class A preliminaries which led to a quarterfinal against the

reigning Olympic silver medallist and the top

seed Shakhram Giyasov, of Uzbekistan.

COMMENTATOR: Top action between boxes of use Pakistan and England.

Shakhram Giyasov, the reigning silver medallist from Rio last

summer. His opponent, wearing blue, just got through with a good jab,

England's Pat McCormick, ranked number 15 in the world, he comes to

the ring as the reigning two-time European Championship silver

medallist. A fascinating contest in store because both of these men are

highly skilled. Giyasov is a very explosive puncher. McCormack also

possesses sensational skills. He has already experienced top position on

a medal podium at the World Championships, a world junior gold

back in 2011. Got through with a hard right cross there. Giyasov is

going a little wider with that letter to the body and I think

McCormack needs to get his timing right with his left hand. As Giyasov

is trying to land that shot he should just beat him to the punch

with that straight right hand of his, but we are at this stage in the

tournament where you can't really afford to make any mistakes and that

was a lovely left-hand from McCormack. You will get punished so

you have to limit those but you all to -- was off to try to push your

body back, very important at this level. You must push them back and

keep the judges happy. We think at GB with that style of judging they

prefer boxers on the front foot in these tournaments now. Given his

credentials there, and in the professional ranks, part of the

coaching staff, Richie, so that is the type of knowledge he is able to

share with the current generation of English and GB boxers. It is all

about their programme. Indeed, many of them share coaching techniques in

the camps, and that is the type of analysis he can bring to his

position here. Terrific crowd boxing so far. Giyasov has had success on

the back foot. -- terrific round of boxing so far. Giyasov being made to

miss. Yes, he has drawn a lot, Giyasov, but not really hitting the

target. Probably need to sleep in close quarters to get up to

McCormack. He has boxed clever contest up until now on the back

foot, Giyasov having success but McCormack has boxed well, in making

his opponent echec-mac. This is where you get the sense that Giyasov

is at his most comfortable, when he goes out for his man, hands down by

a side. Punishing every shot. A lot of threatening in this round,

Giyasov, but a lot of misses as well, so he probably through more

punches than McCormack but I don't think he hit the target as much as

McCormack dead. McCormack punched well on the back foot, two or three

shots going well. Giyasov on his gloves together then, trying to urge

his opponent on. I think he got cold there. We are into the second round.

The boxer wearing blue has just taken a hard left hand to the body,

but the referee, from Canada, warning and reminding Giyasov to

punch correctly, before he left the blue corner the English court said

to his man Pat McCormack, and that was a good move there. No problem

boxing on the back foot, but just go back at your opponent occasionally

to try to push them back. He then made think twice about coming

forward and trying to dictate on the front foot. I think at the moment

McCormack is boxing really well. Giyasov has to improve. He looks

threatening, looks like he has a good left hook to the body. He is

starting his attacks too far out, but this is better boxing from

McCormack. A terrific left right combination. Look at the red corner

at the top of your screen. Imploring their man to go forward and try to

get some effect of aggression going. I think McCormack is setting traps,

looking for the advancing Giyasov. Because he got caught, they are,

that made him think twice about going forward, Giyasov, because

McCormack got in with a good right and left combination. So this is not

easy for Giyasov although he is the favourite in this contest, but not

an easy night at the moment for. Ranked number three in the world in

the tournament, Giyasov, the number one seed. McCormack is seeded number

eight and ranked 15 in the world. He is able to relax now. Hard left hand

to the body from Giyasov but the shot upstairs was partially blocked

by McCormack. I think one of the tactics from the English has been to

frustrate that opponent and I think that is what they are doing here.

Giyasov coming forward, making mistakes. But I think McCormack is

boxing clever contest. Frustration is creeping into Giyasov and that

may just create more opportunities for McCormack. More pungent with a

straight variety from McCormack and he got through with a lovely left

jab, after a cluster. Some of the flashy shots attempted by Giyasov,

and that missed by some distance. Away on the inside, Giyasov, again

imploring his man to come forward, threatening. It is crucial for

McCormack to remain concentrated on the task at hand and stick to what

is proving to be a pretty effective game plan so far. The closing

seconds of the second round. Again plenty of animated instruction from

Giyasov's corner, landing with a good left jab and then a over the

top. He is swaggering his way across the ring. A good conclusion to the

round from this man. A fairly calm corner, isn't it, the English

corner? And rightly so. I think their man is boxing very well at the

moment. I think in the last minute of the round Giyasov came back into

it and started to get to McCormack a little more, but overall in the

round again I thought it was a good display of boxing from McCormack,

positive with his counters. Until now it has been a good performance.

We are into the third and final round of what has been an absorbing

welterweight tussles over. The boxer wearing blue, England's Pat

McCormack, starting with a terrific left jab once again. The reigning

silver medallist Giyasov is in pursuit of him but has been in

pursuit for the majority of the contest. He got closer in the

concluding stages of the second round but for the majority of the

round, he has been adopting that posture and is being made to

echec-mac, and on occasion McCormack has made him pay. I think one of the

fault and mistakes Giyasov has got here, cot with a good shot there,

seems to put his hands down, he is actually showing you that he has

been hit, and that is a bad sign indeed. He keeps coming forward and

we spoke about the pressure of boxers having success in this, but

he is missing time and again here, and let's get it right. McCormack is

winning this contest and boxing better on the back foot. Excessive

pressure being applied from Giyasov. McCormack. With the right hand,

changing direction wonderfully, McCormack. Right-hand success from

Giyasov and left-hand success from McCormack. The difference, Ronald,

McCormack's timing is a little better than Giyasov, catching him

with the eye-catching punches, and he seems to be reacting a little

better, and I think the timing has been a little better from him.

Again, good shots going in. The third and final round, Giyasov's

face slightly reddened by the poking shots he has been walking on two.

McCormack, getting back behind the jab. Giyasov, rising his right glove

to say he feels that is a good shot that he landed. The final minute

now, of this third and final round. McCormack remaining concentrated,

wonderful left right combination again. Left hook blocked from

Giyasov. And again, McCormack has the Uzbekistan boxer, imploring him

to get forward and get busy, McCormack dictating the temple, lost

his footing there. And it is a hard contest, this one. The concentration

has been absolute from McCormack. Untidy tangle at close range in the

closing seconds, shoeshine shot to the body from Giyasov. Left right

combination from the man in red, and another one. McCormack has to finish

strong. The left-hand lands from him and is countered immediately from

Giyasov. The closing stages, and he walks onto a left right combination.

There is Pat McCormack's twin brother Luke, and the English

supporters. A terrific performance from the man in blue and we are

going to the scorecard. Without a doubt, Ronald, I think there is only

one winner for me. From McCormack I think it was a very measured

display, and Giyasov him into it in the last round, undoubtedly, but for

me, McCormack has won this contest. Lee Grant Edelmann, the winner by

unanimous decision, and the red corner, representing it Uzbekistan,

Shakhram Giyasov. Shakhram Giyasov declared a unanimous points decision

when, one point for the judges, three points for two judges, and

England's Pat McCormack, his superb display of backlit boxing, has not

been rewarded by the judges here. He is crestfallen over in the blue

corner, and it is Giyasov, the Olympic silver medallist, who goes

through to the medal podium. The reigning silver medal is left to

contemplate a decision that has not gone in his favour. Absolutely

gutted. But I won the fight quite easily to be honest. But it outboxed

him on the back foot, but the judges didn't give it to me, so gutted.

Do you -- would you go after a decision like that, does get you

don't? Geller can you I him so I know I am the best in the world. --

well, I know that I beat him. Was he robbed there? Anyone in this arena,

they looked at those two guys, thought, one is number one in the

world, one number 15, and everyone would back the one who is number one

in the world. He is every bit as good as the welterweight in the

world. He is as good as the Cubans, probably my favourite amateur boxer,

in the GB team, but probably around the world as well. He is so fast,

shark. The way he judges the distance so well. When the guy steps

on, he dips his shoulder, walks in. He has got it all. I feel really

sorry for him, because you would think, a couple of years ago, he was

hard done by, again, I mean, let's see it as it is. He got robbed

tonight. Hopefully he sticks at it and one day you will get his just

deserts. Does come to a point, whereas as an amateur boxer you

think, if I am going to have all these decisions go against me, I

might just join the pro ranks and try my luck there? That must be

going through their heads, because it is hard, in the GB team you train

every week, you give it your all, you are representing yourself, your

family, your club, your country, in these tournaments, and Udal -- when

you don't get what you deserve it is horrible. But these guys have big

futures in the vests representing their countries. Hopefully they

stick at it and their time will come. I will be there cheering for

them when it does. It has been pretty tough going for the Birtley

boys, Pat McCormack and French. Yes, when you represent your country it

is an amazing thing, representing them at the World Championship is

even better, and three guys from the one club doing it in the same

competition, even better. i don't know what they are doing it in the

north, but keep it up. they work hard on the gb team, great coaches,

up in sheffield, and like i said, the whole gb team, they have a

really massive future. Your area of expertise. Which of those three

boxers do you think will be kept for big things, out of the McCormacks

and Callum French? I love Pat, so fast, so fresh. His legs are really

wide apart, but he is so fast and agile, so athletic, you can get over

it. And also years perhaps a bit too tends. -- too tense. But hopefully

into Tokyo he will go all the way. So Giyasov goes through and he would

fight Roniel Iglesias for the gold medal. We join this one in the third

round. COMMENTATOR: The third and final

round of the gold medal bout, a rematch from the same stage of the

quarterfinal stage of the Olympic Games last summer. The reigning

Olympic silver medallist Shakhram Giyasov, who really began to find

his range in the second round. Made Iglesias fall short and miss, then

landed with some eye-catching combinations, particularly the basic

1-2, exploding into range with fast feet and picking off his opponent.

Iglesias needs to be more accurate with his jab. Occasionally he has

been missing, cop with a couple of left hooks. For me he carries his

lead hand a little bit too low to the chest and waste area. That is

his style, Iglesias, but he has just come undone in this round with that.

He has to keep that right hand a little bit higher. Giyasov again

trying to land the right hook. Iglesias, I reigning seven-day

national champion of Cuba. His first senior title came back in 2005. 29

years of age, good left uppercut from Iglesias there. He has been at

the top of AIBA open boxing for some time, digging the world title in

Milan, and when he went to retain it two years later he lost at the

preliminary round stage, when there was no automatic qualification, so

that was a round of 64. Good right jab from Iglesias there. Beyond the

midpoint of the third and final round. Again, fighting in sports,

Shakhram Giyasov. Iglesias trying to get away but can't get anything away

of quality. Again, on the back foot, Giyasov, hard right hand whipped

into the body and it is reinforced for the judges once again. As he

holds up that right hand in acknowledgement and celebration. The

facial expressions continuing, goading his man in. Landed a good

right hand which he celebrates but he took a couple of shots in return.

I think he is a clever boxer, Giyasov. He goes for a walk, he

bides time. That is how he does it, a few vital seconds, by doing those

walks. He showboat. He is a clever lad. Giyasov. And it is that

eye-catching stuff again from the man in red, that left hook. Despite

the Tiki may be feeling, every time he an attack, the fast twitch --

despite the fatigue that he may be feeling. A very explosive fighter.

Here is evidence of that once more. Winding up the right hand, a la

Sugar Ray Leonard, 1976 Olympic champion from Montreal. They are

delighted in that red corner. Shakhram Giyasov warmly embraced by

his coaching staff, after a very good performance. A clever display

from the reigning Olympic silver medallist, and look at the

contrasting body language in that blue corner, therefore more subdued

and one suspects they feel it isn't fair, but they're confident it is

their man in the red corner who is about to be crowned world champion.

What it is worth, I agree, from the body language, as they are

interpreting that. Yes, clever display Giyasov here. The most

eye-catching work. Yes, I think he has won it. In the red corner...

APPLAUSE Shakhram Giyasov is the world

champion, a unanimous points decision winner. Over the legendary

figure of Roniel Iglesias. He warmly embraces the corner team of the man

who has just conquered him. And Shakhram Giyasov with his trademark

celebration, absolutely ecstatic. As are his fans, a unanimous points

decision winner. To claim World Championship gold here in Hamburg.

Andy Olympic silver medallist becomes the AIBA world boxing

champion. On to the middleweight in Hamburg

and representing GB, Ben Whitaker, the man from Wolverhampton and a big

personality. Benjamin Whitaker, 75 kilograms, middleweight. They call

me the Future, the future of boxing, future Olympian, future in the Hall

of Fame. I have won the seniors twice, two used titles,

Commonwealth, you silver medallist, but that is in the past. I am

concentrating on my senior gamers. I try to keep myself level-headed --

my senior game now. I have got here for a reason. I know the level it

can be and I want to prove that I am number one. After beating Kenya's

vigour and winning in the pool and around he was looking in fantastic

form going into his round against the

Ukrainian Oleksandr Khyzhniak. COMMENTATOR: Into the second round

and Whittaker comes out immediately carrying out his coach's

instructions. But in front of them is Oleksandr Khyzhniak, again moving

laterally left and right in wonderful fashion, Ben Whittaker,

meaning the man in blue is to stop, change direction and try again. The

way with boxing this opponent also is to counter attack, Ronald. You

know that he will come forward, very predictable, but before he punches

you have to beat him to the punch, it is a counterattack and that is a

super attack there from Khyzhniak. That is what has corner were saying,

you must hit, punch first then move. Whittaker, slow, gliding around the

ring, and arching right hand from Khyzhniak, landed somewhere around

his ears, and now he's bulldozing him to the corner, trying to get him

to hold his feet. What's it to the space of centre ring and get back

behind that long left jab. A terrific display in the second

preliminary round of the third seed and fourth ranked boxer in the

world, from India. Right-hand success again. To keep this man at

bay is very difficult indeed. He's experienced, coming forward he is

strong, and Whittaker, a young man who has only just made the podium

squad. For GB. He is doing well here against a very strong opponent

indeed but he has to keep it going, Khyzhniak is very difficult to keep

at bay. Remembering his first World Championships two years ago, Richie,

when you refer to strength, he was competing at light heavyweight. He

has come down in the intervening years, but, my goodness, has he

brought that strength with him? He lost in that tournament incidentally

to the world champion who went on to take silver, but with an opponent of

that calibre... Needs to keep his man subdued. Whittaker's flashes of

its here but he has to sustain through three minutes against such

experienced operator. Good left jab to the body from Khyzhniak who is

getting closer on a repeated basis as he walks around an arcing right

hand there. More success with the right hand and a long left.

Whittaker becoming a bit disorganised in the closing stages

of the second round. A very good conclusion to the second round from

Khyzhniak, even though it was punctuated with the bell. Trying to

keep the gap all the time between himself and his opponent. Khyzhniak

there, trying to land that right hand, skirting around on the outside

here, as Ben Whittaker just misses with that left-hand. Into the third

and final round and a good right hand from Khyzhniak after a left jab

from Whittaker. Sauce's corner imploding to release some power but

that is Khyzhniak releasing the bombs -- Whittaker's corner

imploring him to release some power. Oh, my goodness, hit by a hook, then

more punches to the middle. A terrific start to the third and

final round by the reigning European champion. Yes, this will be a big

test of the young Englishman here. Outside, trying to keep his man at

bay, listening to his corner, hitting him, moving. Occasionally

you just have to put a little bit more into your shots, to try to keep

this man at bay, but we have said it time and time again, Khyzhniak,

front foot boxer, very strong indeed. Difficult to the terror. A

tough job now for big Whittaker. -- difficult to deter him. Whittaker

managed to evade that right cross, which Khyzhniak had so much success

with at the start of this run. Beautiful cut from Whittaker, a long

shot underneath. Whittaker continuing to dodge and move left

and right. Yes that's right uppercut was lovely from him, bringing his

opponent onto that jab. Khyzhniak still coming forward, trying to whip

the right hand over the top. Khyzhniak very dangerous indeed and

he is trying to block the shot coming forward with that high guard

we are beyond the midpoint of the third and final round. A retreat

from Khyzhniak and then left uppercut was not too far away. Paul

Walmsley over to the left of the screen is just imploring Ben

Whittaker to keep the shots long. Speeding left and right through the

guard, but look at Khyzhniak work away to that long slender torso of

Whittaker, just above the belt line. Yes, some good work from Whittaker,

but he just has to move his feet after landing those shots. Good

boxing, but he just paid the price of holding the feet are little too

long after landing the shots, and you can't do that with this fellow,

Khyzhniak. It is what he wants, his opponent to stand in front of him

and hold his feet sleek and let his shot score-mac. -- let his shot go.

Good left hand from Whittaker. Demonstrating good footwork. Trying

to find a home for the right cross. Whittaker in pursuit of his man. Ten

second clapper has sounded. Exchanging at short range. Terrific

contest in the 75 kilograms middleweight division. One suspects

it is the man all smiles in the blue corner, Khyzhniak, who has just got

a repeat victory over then Whittaker from England. English national

champion. Acquitted himself well but I think he was second best here. He

did very well in the last round, Whittaker. Lovely combination from

the Englishman. Very difficult to keep this man at bay and maintain

the gap. For an inexperienced boxer, he did really well, Whittaker.

Ladies and gentlemen, the winner by split decision... In the blue corner

representing the Ukraine... Man-fourty-macro, the reigning

European champion, he is through to the medal podium in Hamburg --

Oleksandr Khyzhniak. A victory over Ben Whittaker who is distraught. He

gave an absolutely -- he gave it absolutely everything. But the

aggression of Khyzhniak has been rewarded. I did not do my best. I

had a game plan, but when you are there, it is different. I just want

to say sorry to my dad, my mum, the GB staff and coaches. I think I'll

let everybody down because they know I can perform better. My first

major. I am putting the work in as soon as I get back to England to

change the result. You have to admire his composure. He was very

upset, very emotional. What did you think of his performance? He boxed

well. Young lad, a lot of ability, talent. Middleweight division. That

was my old division. Very hard. You need speed, strength, power. The two

things I think he lacks a bit, strength and power. 20 years old. A

big future ahead of him. Beautiful footwork. The way he avoids... So

elusive. What I would like to see him do more is hold his feet and

Punch and tried to hurt his opponent more. Do it again. He reminds me a

lot of Luke Campbell. Tall, rangy, very skilful. For a couple of years,

he did not have the per power -- the power. If he can add power and

strength to his game, he will go all the way because he is tall, great

attributes, and I liked the look of him. He said himself how frustrated

he was with how he performed. What do you say to someone like that

recovering from such a disappointing defeat? How do you advise them on

building up mental resilience? I am glad he is upset and hurting because

that will make him push further. A couple of majors, I went away, I

lost first fight. It was horrible. Watching your friends box, horrible

ten days, you want to be involved. That disappointment, it drives you

on when you are in the gym sparring, on the running track in the morning,

you want to be better, you want to win medals, you want your funding to

go up. You want to go to the Olympic Games. Young lad, 20, this today, he

will learn a lot from it and it will hold him in good stead for the

future. Certainly no disgrace for Whittaker, especially with Khyzhniak

going on to win middleweight gold. In the light heavyweight division,

Thomas Whittaker heart was representing GB. He picked up a

walkover in the first round before falling to a German. Scotland's

fighter also bowed out in the first preliminary round to the Georgian

fighter. He was dispatched with ease by the third-seeded Irishman Joe

Ward. He was proving to be there shining light. Making the

semifinals, he faced a tough Uzbekistan number two.

COMMENTATOR: Into the third and final round, both of these men

boxing to see who will square off against the tournament number one

seed. If Joe Ward gets a victory, it will be a rematch of the final two

years ago. Julio La Cruz got the better of him. Ward going forward.

Ward trying to keep him at bay. He certainly moves like a middleweight,

Melkusievc, up on his toes quicker. Wild shots again needs a little bit

of accuracy from both boxes here. Bit of concentration. Having success

with the right hand, Joe Ward. A minute: third and final round.

The referee speaking in his direction about the holding tactics

being employed. Putting a lot behind it but not finding the range.

Cracking read right hook and the backhand that followed was not too

far away. Better stuff from the Irishman. Probably should use his

left uppercut as well. So committed to land the first shot. Put

everything into it. Feet into range quickly. Landed a good shot there.

Right hand to the body. You can hear his exertions as he lets every shot

go. Feeling the place. Putting everything that he has into each of

these punches now looking for a finish inside the distance. He

fought at a high tempo, increasing amounts of hitting and leaning

punctuating the clean offence now. He ties up at close range, Ward.

Closing seconds of the third and final round. Back on the legs once

again. Now it is Melkusiev backing up with the ten second clapper

sounding. A man with the spectacles, the long-time manager of Wladimir

Klitschko and his brother. He recently retired, of course. Long

shot there from Joe Ward. Brought his opponent onto it. Split

decision. In the red corner... It is Joe Ward, Ireland's Joe Ward sinks

to his knees in celebration. A split decision when it. Joe Ward once

again will fight for World Championship goals. I put so much

work into it. Something special. Looked like a tough fight and

perhaps you were not as good as you have been in the previous rounds.

What did you make of your performance? The man was very good.

Olympic silver medal. Wild silver medal. A lot of pedigree behind him.

A close fight. -- world silver medal. Could he win the only World

Championship medal to have evaded him so far, the gold? Standing on

his wake, three-time World Championship and reigning Olympic

champion, Julio La Cruz. -- Kairat Yeraliyev. We are under way and that

gold-medal bout between two boxers who know one another very well

indeed. A tangle of legs and a flurry of punches. The reigning

three-time world champion. No knock-downs as the referee from

Belarus. Immediately, Joe Ward testing the strength of his

opponent, leaning on him at close range. Really positive start from

Ward on the front foot. Going for it. Usually he sits back and waits.

Here he knows he is against a master tactician in La Cruz who likes to

slow it down. Ward is on the front foot, will try to go through the

gears and quicken the tempo. If La Cruz is allowed to settle down into

his rhythm, he is a nightmare. A good positive start from the

Irishman. Hard left- right to the body. Right hand was particularly

effective from La Cruz. If you allow him to settle into a rhythm, very

difficult to beat indeed. Look at the man able to lean back flexible

wasted fighter. Body shot there from Ward. When he goes to the outside,

he wants the gap between himself and his opponent, La Cruz, that is when

Ward has to jump on him and quicken the tempo. Ward hits and moved

backwards to create a gap and creating time and space and that is

what you have to deny him and that is why Ward is on the front foot.

Ward is normally a back foot counterpunching boxer but he knows

he has to change tactics for this one. Credit to him for trying

something different in pursuit of gold. Ward so familiar with every

inch of the ring canvas, he knows where the robes are, just floats his

way around the ring -- the ropes. Confident fashion, difficult to pin

down. Ward remaining steadfastly to his task. Left hand to the body was

not too far away from Ward. Trying to work his way inside behind the

jab. Classic case as well that you have to double up your attacks

against La Cruz. A single attack is not enough. He does the lay back and

finds the space and on the outside again. You have to keep it going and

to sustain it. Counter right hand, effective shot from La Cruz. Ward,

three in the world. Hard right hand above the belt line. Flat-footed

posture adopted by La Cruz. Ward fainting with the feet, the left

hand that was preceding the right was not too far away. The positive

start from Ward but La Cruz settled into his rhythm. Positive start from

Ward. Great start from the man in blue. La Cruz got back into it as

the round went on, starting to take things better. Into the second round

of the 81 kilograms light heavyweight final at Hamburg 2017. A

rematch of the final from two years ago and Doha. Joe Ward got silver on

that occasion. Third meeting between these two, all on the World

Championship stage, good right hand from Ward. Looking for his first

victory. Good left jab before the fighters fell into a clinch. The

difficult job for Joe Ward. He has to try and find the space on the

inside. Very difficult indeed. La Cruz knows his strength is at mid

and long range. When they come in at close quarters, he will hold and

bring his opponent into his body weight and wait for the referee to

separate, and goes back on his bike again. Targeting the right hand

effectively in the second round. Ward Square on the ropes, trying to

goad Ward to tempt him into coming forward. Enjoying his work now, the

reigning champion. Looking for his fourth consecutive title. Good from

Ward. He scores with a snaking right hand between the defences of the man

from Ireland. Full of confidence, La Cruz. But Ward is having a good go

and he caught Ward with a good shot. Has to watch what he is doing, the

Cuban. We know Ward is a quality performer himself and has to

concentrate and tried to put the punches together and try to catch La

Cruz maybe when he is moving away. Then his hands are so low. Look how

low his hands. He hits and moves backwards, hands very low, difficult

to catch. Joshua came away with Olympic bronze in Rio last summer,

he fought La Cruz in the first preliminary round. Another good

right hand landed. But he fought and to put him on the canvas, remember.

As Ward lands with another right hand. He said that he moved just

enough at the last moment, so you think you have got him and then you

are just hitting fresh air. That is why he is Olympic champion and third

time world champion, Ward. His judgment of distance is exceptional.

He has got deceptively long arms. Throwing the shots from his waist

and from his knees. Very hard to detect. He sets the traps of having

low hands and you think you can catch him as you move towards him,

like that, you get caught. Clever boxer. Very frustrating to box

against. Remaining committed to his task, Joe Ward, back on the front

foot, he too with his hands down. Baring his gumshield, another very

good round of boxing for him. 1996 Olympic champion on the left there.

Wladimir Klitschko. The shot we spoke about earlier that Ward

landed, good punch. Trying the lay back himself. But Ward, long arms.

-- but La Cruz, long arms. The third and final round of the gold-medal

bout between boxers who know one another very well indeed, a rematch

of the 2015 World Championship final from Doha. The man in red packing

and poking with the right hand and making his man this by millimetres,

the reigning three-time World champion, Julio La Cruz. Ward

bamboozle. La Cruz came back with a wonderful left jab, the king of

every domain open to him, Olympic champion, world champion, America's

champion, Joe Ward, just 23, claimed his third European title this

summer. Trying to go one better than the World Championship silver he

came away with two years ago. And in 2013, Ward beat two. That is the

idea of Ward's ability, ranked number three in the world,

tournament number three seed, it is this man who consistently gets the

better of him, but La Cruz generally gets the better of everyone he faces

in the light heavyweight ranks. Boxing well here. Ward continuing to

pursue his man, looking for openings on the inside, neither man working

away, the referee allowing them to do so. We pass the midpoint of the

third and final stanza. Occasionally Ward throws the 1-2 and he brings

his left leg around because La Cruz is so far but with the laid-back, he

literally changes stance. The right tactic. He has to try to close down

the gap, used his jabs more, Ward. He is upping the tempo, the right

thing to do. He has to do it more behind double jabs, double attacks,

sustain the pressure. Easier said than done. Ward, versatile boxer, he

can box going backwards, perhaps his favoured default position. He lands

a good right hand. Causes Ward to become disorganised. He is spoken to

by the referee about turning his back on his opponent. -- causes La

Cruz to become disorganised. Trying the same shot again, did not land,

but he made Ward miss before coming back with a wonderful shot. Ward

trying to walk down his man but he cannot get him to stay still long

enough to land any leather. He has been made to miss repeatedly.

Another masterful display by Julio La Cruz, no doubt on the cusp of

emulating Hernandez, his compatriot, four World Championship golds in the

well the late -- the welterweight decision. Sporting touch. He is

confident he has claimed his fourth successive World Championship golds,

La Cruz. Applause from the capacity crowd in attendance in Hamburg. They

have just witnessed another masterful display from the world

undisputed number one in the 81 kilograms light heavyweight

division, Julio La Cruz. Joe Ward gave it everything he had. Once

again, he found it difficult to pin down this man. In the red corner...

Representing Cuba, Julio La Cruz. Julio La Cruz performs his familiar

celebratory salute, his fourth successive World Championship gold

medal. This the canvas in celebration. His fourth successive

World Championship title. -- kiss of the canvas. Really exceptional

Cuban. I gave it my all. I had my moments in the fight. Overall, he

deserved to win. Three Will Chudley jibs under your belt now, how far

away are you from challenging for gold and beating the world's best?

-- three World Championships. Not too far. Not a lot in it. I am

always improving. He is getting older, I am fit and young. Who

knows, maybe if the Olympics comes around, different story. Once again,

Ward loses the La Cruz in a final of the World Championships, as in 2015.

What did you make of Ward's performance? Ward is horrible to

watch, very awkward, was the box against. On the back foot, he wants

you to come in. Give him space, he will pick you. One of those ones,

very hard to fight. Joe tried to rough him up a little bit. La Cruz,

he does tire. Semi final fight, on the floor a couple of times in the

last round, through sheer tiredness. Today he boxed well. Long tournament

for him as well. La Cruz best light heavyweight in the world. Joe Ward

has been to three World Championships, how long until he

becomes the world champion? I think his one problem will be La Cruz. La

Cruz is 29, he relies on reflexes. You cannot do that forever.

Eventually, he will slow down, lose our yard of pace, so to speak. Joe

Ward, the wild swings, he might be able to catch and potentially beat

him. If La Cruz is around doing his thing, will struggle. Now time for

the heavyweights and going for GB, a man who is happy-go-lucky and lucky

to be alive. I was living in Jamaica at the time.

I thought I would be real smart about it and go to an unfinished

building site and I fell, landed on the steel rod, it went straight into

my stomach. The doctor said to my mum, I am very lucky, a very lucky

young man. During the operation, I flat lined on the table. Ten years

later, when I was 18, I was working. For two weeks, I had this pain.

Excruciating. I've still got this pain, walking up the steps, stepped

on the last step and fell down the steps. The doctor looked at me and

said, your appendix exploded inside you. We had to do all we could to

save you. I was really grateful for that. Here I am. Sometimes I look

back and I think, wow, I have come a long way. I met Prince Charles. I

said, I would give you the 1-2. You don't want any more! He tried to

punch me! That was a good moment. The novice, he fought his way

through five fights to win a brilliant European Championships

silver medal. It is all about the level up. Taking it one moment at a

time. I am full of confidence and they are full of confidence in my

abilities. Fantastic performance from Clarke. I am not saying my goal

was always to go to the Olympics. I started boxing when I was 18.

Especially in the last couple of years, yeah, I want to go there, I

want to win gold. Make everybody is proud. And again inspire people.

Yeah, gold medal, Olympics. Bizarrely, Clarke made it through to

the quarterfinals without fighting after a bye in the first round and a

walkover in the second when his Angolan opponent did not make it to

the way in. He would have to face the Cuban legend, the second seed,

in his quarterfinal, Erislandy Savon. Could he cause massive upset?

COMMENTATOR: We are under way. This contest, quarterfinal stage of the

91 kilogram heavyweight division. The man in red, bustling forwards,

England's Clarke, heavy-handed hitter from Gravesham. Competing in

his first world boxing Championships, the reigning 2017

two-time national champion of England, also taken national titles

in Jamaica, the nation he represented at the 2014 Commonwealth

Games in light heavyweight. His opponent in blue, Erislandy Savon,

reigning silver medallist from two years ago at the World Championship

's, took his third America's continental title earlier this

summer in Honduras. Clarke came away with a brilliant European silver

with his heavy-handed hitting in evidence. Does not get much tougher

for Clarke. Does not do him any favours in this tournament, his

buys. Have to get up and running. Employing the right tactics, knows

he has to get inside the long arms of his Cuban opponent, Clarke. Very

skilful, tall, rangy, brilliant from the centre of the ring, Savon. A

little vulnerable from the ropes. That is what Clarke has to target.

Fast attacks and sustain the pressure and push the Cuban back to

the ropes, where he is a little bit vulnerable, Savon, and were Clarke

has to find a space to whip shots over the top. He knows all about the

English and Great British opposition, Anthony Joshua in the

Olympic Games in 2012, his first opponent. He made life difficult for

the man who went on to take Olympic gold. And Lawrence in Rio last

summer. Good right hand from Clarke, left jab in response from Clarke. --

good right hand from Savon. Needs to apply pressure here. Very skilful

experienced operator. A real art to the inside boxing and that is what

Clarke has to do here. Closing the gap down and getting on the inside

without getting hit, choosing the right punches on the inside,

creating space, another problem you have to get around, and getting back

to the thinking distance, out punching range, to plan the next

attack. The three areas you have to master as a good inside fighter.

Successful the left hook. Period of the opening round 30 seconds ago

when Savon stepped up the pressure on the front foot himself and

looking to get the uppercut always an effective antidote if you can get

it way. Good opening round of boxing. Spurts of pressure from

Clarke when he had success trying to whip the shot over the top, caught

coming forward. Just misses with his left hook. Savon a better fighter,

but Clarke nearly caught him with the right hand up close. Into the

second round. Just instructing Clarke wants it at his own pace, but

he has started quickly in the second round, the snaking left hand he

possesses, looking to establish it. When he gets it working, very

difficult proposition indeed. Wonderful move around the ring, like

so many of his compatriots, good footwork, Clarke targeting the body.

A man with a good right hook. I am not sure this type of tempo is going

to make life uncomfortable for Savon, but is being applied by

Clarke at the moment. Maybe he is trying to lure in the man. But this

tempo will suit Savon counter the ground. It will do, but this is now

the effect of having buys. If he had a contest, he would have got into

the tournament. You shake off cobwebs in the first one anyway. Up

against Savon, one of the best heavyweight in the world, a tough

ask for Clarke. The buys, he had a bye and then an opponent has pulled

out, two walkovers, basically, has not done him any favours, coming

into a contest against such a high calibre opponent. By virtue of the

number one seeding, a bye in the first round, right uppercut, came

through with a cheeky little left against Savon. In the second round,

unanimous winner against Ukraine fighter. As you pointed out, Clarke

has had to wait on the sidelines. A bye in the opening round and a

walkover victory in the second preliminary round against a man from

Angola. It is the manner in which Clarke came onto the ring,

confident, effusive character. Walked into another left jab. Needs

to improve his head movement, Clarke, being picked off by the

punches of Savon. Terrific uppercut. That is not the belt and the round.

The referee has intervened. Clarke going back to the corner. He

intervened... The intermission came at the tutors moment for Clarke

because he was under some pressure. -- a full tutors moment. Starting to

control the distance very well, Savon, with the jab, creating room

and space to bring Clarke onto the shots. Taken the wind out of the

sails of Clarke and Savon starting to get into a rhythm.

Clarke on the inside, but then he gets caught with a super right

uppercut from Savon, a cracking shot, it really was. Clarke trying

to come forward and he just gets caught again, and it is the Cuban,

Savon, who has maintained that gap in distance between himself and

Clarke. We are into the third and final round, Cheavon Clarke, and he

has taken national titles in both England and Jamaica, the man who

competed for Jamaica at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, his

first contest with AIBA, Hamburg 2017. Finding it very difficult

against Savon of Cuba. A punch they are from the man in red. Good

generalship Savon is demonstrating here, keeping him on the margins of

the contest. With his feet, like I said, it is because of the first

contest of the tournament, but his feet are too slow and that is

allowing Savon to just adjust his feet and maintain that gap. Look,

all the time, the pace is sitting the Cuban. Boxing well behind his

jab. -- the pace is suiting the Cuban. That is because Clarke's feet

are a little too slow. This was a tough ask of him, Clarke, but he has

to try to get close. Caught with the shot there. A standing count after

being caught by Savon. SUE BARKER: Does not necessarily

agree. Midpoint of the third and final round. He is demonstrating to

the referee he is OK, but Savon, sensing he has got his man -- Clarke

does not thoroughly agree. And it is a second count has been issued.

Clarke is trying to fight his way out of a crisis but instead he is

only catching more punches. Just walked onto a right hook. From

Savon. He actually landed a good right hand over the top himself but

it didn't really have the effect. Struggling a little bit and there is

that right-hand again, and again. By coming forward, looking that

right-hand over them, and Savon keeps responding with the right

uppercut. Savon, incredible poise in the face of the fire he is facing

from Clarke. He has put some eye-catching combinations together

in this third and final round. It doesn't get much tougher, does an?

In your first contest, up against one of the gold-medal favourites.

The way the tournament has transpired. Clarke one win away from

a medal. Head Bedene by straight shots repeatedly and the contest

will be stopped, Cheavon Clarke will not make it through to the final

bell. If he keeps getting picked off like that, safety is paramount, so

Clarke is absolutely frustrated and disappointed, but he has been

subjected to the standing counts in the third and final round from the

accurate punch packing of Erislandy Savon, and his World Championships

are over. Savon brings Clarke onto a couple of shots, one around the side

of the head, then another. But to be fair to Clarke, comes forward,

looking for that big right hand, but it was a good performance from Savon

in this round. But Clarke will learn from it.

Savon has been around for a long time and I think I gave him a good

run, the second round was close, and in the third I thought I was doing a

good job, so it is all valued experience. For my first year, I

can't be too sad. Obviously I am disappointed, but I can't be too

sad. Tough bout for Clarke. They don't come much harder for an

opening bout than against the Cuban legend like Savon. How hard is to go

into a fight like that with no minutes under your belt? No, when

you come to a competition as big as this you want a nice early want to

shake off the cobwebs and nerves, and against probably the best guy in

amateur boxing at the minute, it is going to be hard for him. But he is

upset and will be disappointed with himself, but don't forget, Savon,

the Olympic Games with Anthony Joshua five years ago, he has been

around the block and is experienced. You know, was he ever going to win?

Possibly not, but those fight our way you learn, you know. Hopefully

in three-years' time, you know, it is the young team, a real young team

in Britain at the moment. About the years' time in Tokyo, and that

experience today should hold him in real good stead. Fingers crossed

that he learned from it. And might be able to nick a medal in Tokyo. He

is convinced he can compete for medals at Tokyo 2020 and win. This

is his first summer competing for Great Britain, and he already won at

medal back in June. What do you think? European Championships are

hard competitions to win. You don't win them unless you are something

special or have something special about you. In that fight today, I

think his feet were a little slow. He is a brave boy, got hurt a lot of

times in that fight and he kept coming, kept swinging back, so that

greatness will take a long way. If you can find that skill set, which I

am sure he will, with the coaches we have in GB, he will get, you know,

if he is going to get good those guys will make good. He has that

ability and toughness. Let's see what he can do in a few yours' time.

Yet another Cuban threw to the business end of a major tournament.

We are so used to seeing them winning medals. A good idea? Such

amazing strength and depth. Yes, I have been to Cuba, trained at the

gym. Believe it or not, Gemini Trinder, all the Cuban Olympic

boxers train there, and they had tyres as punch bags. -- believe it

or not the gym I went to, all the tube and Olympic boxers train there.

Their grandad diplomat or Olympic champions, you know. They are

tremendous fighters, but they wanted. They have the ability and

the hunger. They are always the ones to beat. In the heavyweight final it

would be the reigning world and Olympic champion Evgeny Tishchenko

against Erislandy Savon. We join them in the third and final round.

COMMENTATOR: Into the third and final round of the gold-medal

heavyweight bout, the third instalment of this long-running

rivalry between these two boxers, a rivalry currently tied at one win

apiece. Hand landed by the reigning champion, but back comes Savon, the

Cuban boxer in blue, with four shot attack. From Tishchenko's work now

comedies coming forward. I watched his corner in that round and they

were barking instructions at -- from Tishchenko's work now, coming

forward. That may present more opportunities for Savon. No head

movement from Tishchenko, remember, so the Russian will have to watch

what he's doing. Savon has been wonderfully precise with his punch

picking through the first two rounds, heading straight shots to

Tishchenko has high held hands have not been able to repel them, like

that straight right, and look at the footwork, to appear on the other

side of the ring like a character from the Matrix. Tishchenko

following him round the ring before he walks onto another cross. Left

hook followed by a right hand, approaching the midpoint of the

third and final round, and the punch accuracy of Everest Landy Savon

continues to be eye-catching. I think he probably

surprised, he just can't find his rhythm but the accurate work is

coming from the man in blue. -- probably surprised, expecting

Tishchenko to come forward more. He just can't pull the trigger. He is

attempting to build that forward momentum and he is being disrupted

by pecking booking punches from Savon, the corner imploring their

man to come forward and let his hands go. He has less than a minute

to find shot, because surely he is being bit in hearing comprehensive

fashion by the boxing produced by Erislandy Savon. You has to throw

more jabs, getting into range to close. Savon picking him off. A

great display from him, with his feet, in terms of the speed of

movement. Again, Tishchenko is just struggling a little for me here.

Continuously falling short. He can't find the range, can't pen the man

down, Tishchenko, and Erislandy Savon is surely about to be crowned

as the world champion gold medallist. High-5s over in the Cuban

corner, and a huge embrace from the coaching staff in the direction of

Erislandy Savon. You thought he was the victor. But here surely no

mistake, against the man who is the champion from two years ago. Of

course it will go to the judges. A split decision. In the blue corner,

of Dubai, Erislandy Savon! At his fifth Championships, Erislandy Savon

claims his first championship gold medal! The gold -- judges have it on

a split decision but that is academic. The right man has won and

he joins his uncle as heavyweight champion. Once again, the name...

Will be inscribed into the record is a class -- the name Savon will be

inscribed. The heavyweight finale, a category in which Team GB has some

serious Olympic pedigree. COMMENTATOR: The gold medal is

Audley's Harrison's... -- Audley Harrison's. Price has got the gold

medal at Beijing 2008. Anthony Joshua is the Olympic

superheavyweight champion! A wonderful achievement. Joe Joyce

continuing to beat his outstanding record. So GB just seem to keep

churning out these successful superheavyweights and to speak about

that with us we are joined by David Haye, and the former heavyweight

champion of the world now. David, what it is about Team GB that keeps

producing these great men? I don't know. Something in the water back in

the UK. We have had this unprecedented success. Audley

Harrison at the Sydney Olympics, Anthony Joshua, 2012, getting the

gold. We also had David Price who had good success, and all the big

men. I got a silver medal at the top deck at the Ukip did want those big

medals. -- the big guys from the UK really do seem to want those big

medals. He has turned professional and signed with you. What do you

expect? Big things. He will be 32 and a couple of weeks and will be

making his pro debut in October and I am expecting him to be really fast

tracked through the heavyweight ranks. He does not want to waste

time but wants to go straight in for ten rounders, doesn't want them six

and four rounders. What's to challenge and test himself. Inspired

by Anthony Joshua, Fury, all the big heavyweight stars, and he has really

handled himself well. Looking at him in the gym, I believe he will be

world heavyweight champion in a couple of years. Exciting to look

forward to. Anthony, no GB representation in heavyweight in

Hamburg at these World Championships because Frazer is injured, but he

will be disappointed because he would have a chance at winning a

medal? Yes, I think Frazer Clarke will be disappointed. One of the

most experienced guys at the minute. He was in the squad back in 2010

when I was there. Had a great ten, Joe Joyce, Anthony Joshua, probably

the best in the world. If he was here, you would have got at least a

silver medal. How hard would it be, and I don't want to drag up the

negative part of your journey and your career, but something you know

Oliver, dealing with injuries and coming back from them. How difficult

will Frazer Clarke find it coming back from this hamstring injury?

Yes, I have spoken to guys, had a lot of injuries myself, the worst

part of being an athlete. But it is the worst and best of, got to come

out stronger, positive. You really, you know, it builds character.

Hopefully with his mindset, he will come back bigger, better and

stronger, and in 2020, you know, you will be more experienced. He will

have been in the programme for about ten years by then and will be one to

watch in 100%. Anthony, David, thank you for your thoughts. A pleasure to

have you with us. Let's get to that superheavyweight final, one of the

most anticipated events at these championships. Should be a bruising

encounter between and Azerbaijan. -- between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

COMMENTATOR: Into the third and final round of the gold-medal bout

at Hamburg 2017, and in the third meeting between these two familiar

rivals it is the man in blue, who has won their two previous

encounters, who appears to have the upper hand in the contest so far. He

has come forward and gone on to the front foot and here's what down the

Southall wearing red, Mahammadrasul Majidov. In the second round there

was violent clash of heads which opened up an injury above the left

eye of Kunkabayev, and then on the resumption after the doctor

inspected that injury which was in a very bad place, Majidov cranked up

the pressure and Kunkabayev has not been able to go with them. Not a bad

start to the round by Kunkabayev, and I think his corner told him to

try to stay in the centre of the ring, but as I say that he gets

pushed back to the ropes. He started this round really well, the first

minute, he was holding the centre, moving around his opponent and not

conceding the ground, but again it is hard to keep this man at bay,

isn't it? He just keeps coming, Majidov. Majidov between his high

held gloves, slowly walking in, looking to get into his own project

rage when he can unload the heavy artillery, and once again, another

injury or the same injury? Just trying to get a clear look from our

vantage point ringside at the Hamburg Sporthalle, but this man's

problems are mounting. Dealing with the adversity of a cut, faced with

an opponent who has beaten him twice before. The doctor is happy for the

contest to continue. And the action resumes. Trying to stand his ground

and poke out the southpaw 1-2, and this is Kunkabayev, but he simply

cannot keep the man away. Looking to his corner. Looking for instruction

and inspiration from his corner. His punches are becoming really

ponderous now, Kunkabayev, slowing down and looping in the manner in

which they are delivered and not coming back to the right position.

He could be open to account. Very tired now, Kunkabayev. But

tactically he is doing well in this round by again holding the centre of

the ring, don't let Majidov push them back to the ropes. If he pushes

back to the ropes, then Majidov wildernesses better work. -- Majidov

would do his better work. The strength, waiting for the shot to

come from Majidov. Majidov quickening up his feet, backing him

into a corner, and recognising the danger is Kunkabayev intelligibly

get himself out of that can find position and latches onto Majidov,

but Majidov quickening up the feet, applying increased pressure trying

to get his man. Looking for another inside the distance victory. It

looks as though Kunkabayev will make it through to the final belt, for

the third time -- the first time in this, the third encounter against

Majidov, but surely there can be little doubt that the match was all

-- that Majidov is about the ground as world champion for the third

time. I think Kunkabayev did well to get through that Brown, really well

tactically. Holding the centre of the ring, and Majidov is as strong

as an ox, keeps coming forward. In the blue corner! Mahammadrasul

Majidov is absolutely ecstatic, it being declared the winner, 84-1

split decision winner. It was a dominant display, make no doubt

about it. -- a 4-1 split decision. He has won three titles in the

boxing. Time to reflect an estimate on the tournament with Rob

McCracken. After that record-breaking medal haul at the

European champion ships, just the one here at the Worlds, how please

argue with that? -- championships. We are disappointed. But Pat

McCormack boxed fantastically well and deserved a medal. On the wrong

end of the decision, but he performed tremendously well. Some

good showings from the boxers out here. For the young team, early in

the side, year after Rio, but other than Pat and one other boxer, it is

a new team. You mentioned Pat McCormack, but also French had a

decision that could have gone the other way, on the end of a bad

decision, have you been frustrated with the judges' scoring in this

competition? No, overall it has been fine, but obviously we thought Calum

had done enough and we thought that Pat had done more than enough to

collect a medal at the World Championships. A little bit early

for some, they will have learned a lot, and we will push on, in two

yours' ten when we go to Russia for the World Championships, will have a

more experienced team and will certainly be ready -- in two years'

time. What about Peter? Yes, Pete has been fantastic and boxed well, I

beg for the future and certainly for the championships in two years and

after that in Tokyo. -- he is a big one for the future. To get four into

the quarterfinals has been tremendous and, you know, some

really good performances. Other than that, did well at you and it bodes

well for the future. How confident are you that they can pick up medals

at the 2020 Olympics? It is all was very difficult. The whole world is

good at boxing, everybody is good at it, but we know what we are doing,

we will develop the boxers, taken to the right prepare them and take the

training camps with the right federations all over the world,

develop them, get them to the highest of levels before we get them

to the Olympics in Tokyo. Qualify as many as we can and win as many

medals as they can, that is the aim always from us but we have some real

potential in the squad. It's early, but lots of potential. And there is

plenty more sport to look forward to across the BBC this week. A couple

of live World Cup qualifiers for you, commentary on BBC five live and

the website. England and Slovakia tomorrow and Moldova against Wales

on Tuesday. That is before the Premier League show resumes on

Thursday at ten o'clock on BBC Two. If you fancy having a go at boxing

or any of the sport you have been watching recently, you can visit the

Get Inspired website to find out about activities near you. The

Sporthalle is beginning to entertain now as we come to the end of the

competition. Discussing Team GB's performance, just the one medal for

the British team, but what a summer Peter McGrail is having. He has done

fantastically well, to be honest. European champion and adding a

bronze medal to his collection. He did well but he will be disappointed

because it was probably unwinnable fight for him but take nothing away.

He has had a great World Championships and a great year. And

then, we have to speak about contentious decisions within these

championships. The British guys have had a couple go against them, Calum

French and in particular Pat McCormack who essentially could have

gone home as a world medallist. Indeed, but that is amateur boxing

for you. You get it at every stage. Little kids, 12 years old, you get

it in World Championships, Olympic Games. What we have to remember from

this tournament, we're three years away from the next Olympic Games.

The whole squad has been decimated, loads of guys turning pro, and we

have got a medal. It is not too bad. Three years before the Olympic Games

I got the bronze medal in, I was working in a bar, nowhere near the

Olympic scene or international boxing team. Anthony Joshua was not

in the squad, these guys, we work hard, listened to the coaches and

ended up getting medals at Olympic Games. These guys coming today for

the Turner, they are doing well. We have got medals, they are going to

put themselves right in position to get a gold medal in Tokyo. So well

done to them. They have all done really well. We mentioned Peter

McGrail, Richie. You have been commentating on the fight. Who else

impressed for you from GB? I think Ben Whittaker has had a really good

championship to be honest. Before in the European Championship, he fought

the Ukrainian lad, and he beat him convincingly, but here it was a 4-1

split so he learned from the performance last time and improved.

If he meets him in the years' time in Tokyo, I think you will have

matured a little more. So I thought Ben Whittaker did really well for

the team. I also thought that Clarke was really unlucky. An opponent in

the first round who pulled out so he had a walkover and it didn't do him

any favours at all, then up against one of the best in the world in

Savon, so that was a tough one, it really was, but he gave it his all,

and throughout I thought Pat McCormack boxed absolutely superb.

He really put in a performance I thought of his career. I thought he

was... He should have won the contest, but there you go. And I

thought Calum French as well was desperately unlucky not to be a

winner. A lot of positives from the team. A lot of positives, Anthony,

but will people be disappointed that the British team have only got the

one medal? Does still count as a success for GB boxing? I think

beyond the surface level it is a success, because of what I said a

minute ago. James DeGale, when he won his gold medal in Beijing, he

lost to his opponent four, five claims the year or two four, had

never beaten four, drew with him in the Olympic Games then beat him and

won his gold medal, so that is improvement and that is what Ben

Whittaker has to do, what the others have to do, they have to improve

from their losses. Hopefully the guys improve go on to Tokyo and do

really well. Some amazing competitors here, Richie, with the

Cubans doing exceptionally well as we have become used to seeing, and

Americans having a real resurgence. Who has impressed you on the world

stage? On the world stage America in general has impressed me because

they have had caught in an old friend of mine from Ireland, doing a

really good job, so they are coming back into it. Uzbekistan and

Kazakhstan will always be strong, along with the Russians. I do like

the Russians, and also Colombia, Little Martinez who took the bronze,

it was a repeat of the Olympic final against his opponent from his back

is them, but Martinez is a terrific fighter from Colombia, so the

world's best is here and we are up there with them. Not far away at it.

Anthony, finally, such a stage for the British boxers to really, and a

presence within world boxing. Who do you think will now go on and develop

their potential and become a world beater? You have to look at Peter

McGrail, like you said, but European champion, medallist, terrific from a

young inexperienced kid, and also I like McCormack, a terrific fighter.

I have said that. A very good fighter. If he can learn a bit of

composure he will go all the way, I don't doubt that for a second. Thank

you for your time, guys. Richie Woodhall and Anthony Ogogo. Let's

look at the table now. Cuba running away with the title. An impressive

bronze for Peter McGrail. For GB in Hamburg it has very much been a case

of work in progress, but for the Cubans, as you might expect, they

were simply sublime. Thanks for joining us. From all of here,