Boxing at the Summer Games of the XXXII Olympiad, Tokyo

Round 2

Ref increasingly annoyed with both men for holding, in particular venting on Johnson now. Johnson again warned about the head lowering too far. Very cagey round, both self-conscious about how much they're holding but they just can't help it, opposite stances and lots of nervous energy coiled up and released in fits & starts. Johnson gets in a nice right hand on the nose with half a minute left...then another. Johnson leaving an impression for the judges, getting a clap in just before they clinch each time.

10-9 Johnson, close

19-19

 

All five judges gave Johnson the second. That means he's up 20-18 on three cards, with the other pair having it level 19-19.

In other words, mathematically Zhussupov needs a knockdown or point deduction to not get eliminated, regardless of who takes round 3.

 

Round 3

Some big hooking and looping rear hand exchanges, both caroming gloves off each other's temples or round the nape. Ref admonishing them not to remain in the clinch too long. Johnson holding Zhussupov - who looks gassed and discouraged - at bay with jabs. Quick light combos off the jab by Johnson for insurance down the stretch. Not that Zhussupov is mounting any serious offense for him to worry about.

10-9 Johnson

29-28 Johnson

 

Johnson advances via SD. He will face Iglesias next in the quarterfinals.

 

Iglesias vs. Johnson slotted in for tomorrow morning at 5:36am EST/6:36pm in Tokyo, after six women's bouts (four round-of-16 at lightweight and two quarterfinals at welter), or about ~13.5 hours from now.

 

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