London 2012: Boxer Michael Conlan loses Olympic semi-final

Michael Conlan

Belfast flyweight Michael Conlan had to settle for a bronze medal at the Olympics after losing his semi-final at the ExCel Arena on Friday night.

Conlan was second best throughout the contest and lost to Cuban Robeisy Ramirez Carrazana on a 20-10 scoreline.

Conlan, 20, trailed his 18-year-old opponent 6-3 after the first round and 10-6 after the second.

The St John Bosco fighter had to undergo a standing count in the third round as Carrazana took full control.

Both fighters came into the fight, knowing that they had already secured bronze medals, but hoping to secure the opportunity to turn that to silver or gold.

The pair both adopted a southpaw stance early in the contest although number six seed Conlan reverted to an orthodox stance later in the fight as he attempted to make up ground.

Conlan put in some good work in the second round, but was unable to make any impact on the scoresheet.

The Cuban's fast handspeed and accuracy proved too much for the Belfast man and he now progresses to Sunday afternoon's 52kg division final.

Conlan, 20, had defeated France's Nordine Oubaali 22-18 in his Olympic quarter-final.

His defeat leaves John Joe Nevin as Ireland's only representative in the gold medal bouts this weekend.

"I'm not going to say bronze medals are for losers because Paddy (Barnes) said that before and he's changed his mind," said Conlan after his defeat.

"I'm devastated with a bronze medal and happy with it at the same time.

"You always want to do your best but I'll settle for a bronze.

"He was the best fighter of the night. His defence was great, he was a better man than me.

"He didn't punch that hard but he was just sharp in his attacks."