After a successful few days in the preliminary rounds for the Australian boxers at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the competition is starting to heat up and as s result three Aussie boxers were eliminated earlier today.
Liam Wilson (64kg) and Toese Vou Siutu (+91kg) both were eliminated by English opponents on points while Terry Nickolas (69kg), boxing for the third time since the start of the event, lost out to a former gold medalist in the competition, India’s Manoj Kumar.
The day did start positively with local favourite Skye Nicolson gritting out a decision win over Christelle Aurore Ndiang from Cameroon in the Women’s 57kg division. Both boxers were reprimanded and lost points for rule infractions in a closely fought battle.
Skye has quite a story to tell, having been born after the tragic death of her brothers, Gavin and Jamie Nicolson who both passed away almost 25 years ago in a traffic accident on the way to training. Gavin was aged 10 at the time of the incident, while Jamie aged 22, was already a representative boxer, having competed at the 1992 Olympics. A feat Skye is looking to repeat.
The 22-year-old, who has guaranteed herself at least a bronze medal, will faces Canada’s Sabrina Aubin-Boucher on Friday in the semi-finals.
Jason Whately has also guaranteed himself a medal, after defeating Damien Sullivan from Northern Ireland at under 91kg. A 2016 Olympian, Whately secured a knockdown in the second round but the decision was not unanimous with one judge giving it to Sullivan while the other four had in the favour of Whately. The 27-year-old will now meet Indian youngster Naman Tanwar on Friday.
Four boxers in action tomorrow with Anja Stridsman starting her campaign in the Women’s 60kg division, while both Harry Garside (60kg) and Clay Waterman (81kg) have quarter-final match-up in the men’s division. Gold medal match will be in reach for Kaye Scott as she faces off against Rose Eccles from Wales in the semi-finals of the Women’s 69kg divisions.
