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China's Zou Shiming repeated as Olympic gold medalist today in London, defeating Thailand's Kaeo Pongprayoon on a score of 13-10 to win the men's light flyweight division. But the result was not without an unfortunately familiar level of controversy.
[ London 2012 Boxing Full Coverage ]
It has to be said, first off, that Zou frankly fought with a deplorably ugly style in this one, running and grabbing constantly, and at one point essentially tackling Pongprayoon.
The tactics favored Zou, as he opened up a 2-1 lead in the first round, and then led 6-4 after two. But he was given a public warning in the third, which in theory should have given Pongprayoon two points. That was wiped out when moments later, an undeserved warning was given to the 32-year-old from Thailand.
The London crowd felt that Pongprayoon deserved the victory, and pretty heartily booed Zou's announcement as the gold medal winner. It was the final Olympics match for both, as they will be too old for the Rio games in 2016. Not the best ending to either man's Olympic boxing career.
Men's Light Flyweight (108 lbs/49kg) Medals
 |
Zou Shiming |
China 
|
 |
Kaeo Pongprayoon |
Thailand 
|
 |
Paddy Barnes |
Ireland 
|
|
David Ayrapetyan |
Russia 
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