PNG’s Thadius Katua went down in his first Olympic fight to Russia’s Adlan Abdurashidov who won on points 3-0.
The Men’s Light (60kg) division fight took place this morning in Rio at 11.00am (12am PNG time) at the Riocentro 6.
It was a David and Goliath battle with the nineteen-year-old lad from Bougainvillean going up against the 26-year-old Russian with a high level of skill and experience.
But Katua showed heart against Abdurashidov with not much separating both boxers in all three rounds.
Abdurashidov won all three rounds 29-28, 29-28, 30-27.
Katua was bitterly disappointed after his bout believing he had done enough to claim victory.
“Mi blip oilsem mi winim dispela pait,” said Katua.
Coach Allan Nicolson also felt Katua had done enough to progress to the next round.
“It is disappointing as over the full duration we felt Katua had dominated his opponent for a majority of the fight.
“Katua was able to display his immense talent. It shouldn’t be forgotten that he is only 19 years old and he was taking on an experienced Russian fighter 7 years his elder,” said Aufa.