Teenage boxing sensation Shiva Thapa's Olympic debut ended in disappointment. He was spanked by Mexico's Oscar Valdez Fierro in a bantamweight opening round bout at the London Games on Saturday.
The 18-year-old Thapa, who was considered a medal hope, was out-punched 9-14 in the much-anticipated bout, as India began their boxing campaign on a losing note at the Excel arena.
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The young boxer from Assam started his 56kg bout defensively, allowing the Mexican to dictate terms. He trailed 2-4 after the three-minute first round, but came back strongly in the second to narrow the gap to 6-7.
It looked as if Thapa would turn tables on his opponent after a flurry of left-right punches in the second round from which he took four points to the three of his opponent.
He was looking good at counter punches and it seemed that he would wear down his opponent and seal the issue in the third and final round.
However, it was not.
The Indian youngster was beaten black and blue in the final round and he had to run for cover. He had no answer to the flurry of left-right punches from the Mexican, who saved his best for last.
In the last 30 seconds, Thapa, already trailing, had to save himself from the marauding Mexican, who grabbed seven points against three by the Indian.
