Boxing: Degale guaranteed a medal after stylish win

Published on Wednesday 20 August 2008 15:13

JAMES Degale produced one of the finest performances of his career to score a comprehensive 8-3 victory over Kazakhstan's Bakthiyar Artayev and guarantee Great Britain's third boxing medal of the Beijing Games.

Degale was in irresistible form as he took the initiative from the start against Artayev, the reigning Olympic welterweight champion who had defeated world number one Matvey Korobov in the opening round.

Degale will resume his rivalry with Ireland's Darren Sutherland in the semi-finals after Sutherland guaranteed what will also be his nation's third boxing medal with an 11-1 win over Alfonso Blanco Parra of Venezuela.

Degale said: "It's all about tactics when you get to this level. It's the little things on the day. I can beat anyone in the world if my tactics are right, and Terry (Edwards, head coach) and I got the tactics perfect.

"I knew I could beat him. I boxed him in Sheffield in January and I knew my movement and angles would win it. Amateur boxing is all about hitting and not getting hit.

"The mood in the whole camp is lovely. We've done it for Terry who is an excellent coach and doesn't get the credit he deserves. I'm happy for myself, for Great Britain and for Terry."