Japan's Ryota Murata has fought back to deny Turkey's Adem Kilicci a spot in the semi-final of the men's middleweight tournament.
Kilicci took the first round 4-3 by virtue of his greater accuracy. He continued to box well in the second, but started to tire slightly as Murata upped his work rate.
The Turk's lead was only one point as they entered the decider and the Japanese was starting to come on strong. Murata's body shots were sapping the energy from Kilicci, who was now hanging on.
Murata refused to relent in his attack as Kilicci struggled to reach the bell. The contest came to an end with the Japanese fighter convinced that he has overturned the deficit.
In the end, the judges agreed and Murata prevailed thanks to a 17-13 verdict.
Written by
Michael Penkman
Michael Penkman
