Story by Noor Farhan/Red Sports. Photos by Tan Jon Han/Red Sports

Youth Olympic Boxing Bronze Medal

Muhammed Hanurdeen Hamid of Singapore reflects on his bout after losing out to bronze medallist Zohidjon Hoorboyev of Uzbekistan in the men’s 48kg light-flyweight category. (Photo 1 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

International Convention Centre, Tuesday, August 24, 2010 — Defence was the order of the day in the men’s 48kg light-flyweight bronze medal bout in boxing but that could not prevent Muhammed Hanurdeen Hamid of Singapore from losing a three-round 0-7 fight to Zohidjon Hoorboyev of Uzbekistan, the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) World Youth bronze medallist.

Like his previous bout in the semi-final against Salman Alizada of Azerbaijan, Hanurdeen attempted to earn the first point with multiple quick jabs at his opponent as soon as the bell rang but it bore no fruit. Despite a more guarded display by Hanurdeen, the experienced Hoorboyev still managed to notch three points for a 3-0 first round lead.

Hanurdeen came out of his defensive shell in the start of the second round as both fighters traded blows.

Hanurdeen put up a better fight, restricting his opponent to just one point in the second round to trail 0-4.

100PLUS

In the third and final round, a lapse in concentration saw the Singaporean conceding three points in quick succession with 50 seconds left on the clock. Hoorboyev’s opportunistic jabs and his left hook proved too fast to block as the bout ultimately ended 0-7 against the Serangoon Garden Secondary student.

Hanurdeen’s trainer, T. Balasundram, commented after the conclusion of the fight: “Winning and losing does not matter. What is important is that he gains experience, which he has not much of with only 10 bouts of experience.”

“He is competing with boxers who have over 50 bouts of experience. He put up a good challenge, was confident and (motivated) to stand and fight. That was very satisfying and I think if he works very hard to maintain his discipline he will have a very bright future,” he added.

In Hanurdeen’s analysis of his bout, he said: “My main aim was to win a medal, but I think I’m still not ready and still have to train more and get more exposure.”

“I thought the first round ended 0-0 because I was keeping my defense. Then in the second round I wanted to catch up but his defense was too tough,” rued Hanurdeen, who bows out of the Games having lost the two fights he fought.

Youth Olympic Boxing Bronze Medal

Hanurdeen’s friends start to cheer as the boxer enters the ring. (Photo 2 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

Youth Olympic Boxing Bronze Medal

The Singaporean (in red) goes on the defence against his opponent (in blue). (Photo 3 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

Youth Olympic Boxing Bronze Medal

Zohidjon lands a punch on Hanurdeen’s face earning him the first point of the bout. The Uzbek went on to score two more to finish the first round 3-0 up. (Photo 4 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

Youth Olympic Boxing Bronze Medal

Hanurdeen attempts to swing a punch at his opponent. However the teenager lacked the pace and agility to pose a threat to the more experienced Zohidjon. (Photo 5 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

Youth Olympic Boxing Bronze Medal

The bronze medal hopeful loses his balance momentarily after taking a hit from the World Youth Amateur bronze medallist. (Photo 6 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

Youth Olympic Boxing Bronze Medal

Hanurdeen takes the full impact of a left hook, the last of three punches rained down by Zohidjon in the final minute of the third round. The three points earned by Zohidjon dealt the Singaporean an eventual 0-7 loss. (Photo 7 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

For Singapore fixtures and results, go to our 2010 YOG fixtures page