Boxing: Team GB's Fred Evans claims silver after disappointing performance in welterweight final

Fred Evans was forced to settle for an Olympic silver medal after losing a wide 17-9 decision to impressive Kazakh Serik Sapiyev in their men's welterweight final at ExCeL today.

It was clear Evans was in for another tough bout from the start, as the Kazakh, a former two-time world champion at light-welterweight, darted in and out behind a flitting right jab as the Welshman struggled to find his range.

Evans was holding out behind a tight guard, but he was not throwing anywhere near enough punches, and he seemed rather fortunate to only trail by two after the opening round.

The Welshman had a more encouraging start to the second, landing a looping left, but the Kazakh was still busier, prodding Evans around with his excellent jab, and comfortably extended his lead to five points after two.

Sapiyev even found time for some showboating in the final round as he repelled Evans' clumsy advances with ease, bringing the Welshman's hugely impressive Olympic journey to a disappointing end.

Evans told the BBC: "I've had five hard fights and I have no excuses, he was a bit sharper on the day.

"I've had a great tournament, I beat the world number one from Ukraine. I'm only 21 and I'm one of the youngest seniors here. I'm over the moon really that I got to the final."

More to follow...

PA