Joe Goodall, the first Australian to challenge for a Commonwealth Games super heavyweight gold, has been beaten by classy Englishman Joe Joyce in the final bout of the boxing tournament.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Joyce was the favourite going into the fight and Queenslander Goodall, who has only been fighting for four years, was going to have to make a huge step up to be in the hunt.
He started promisingly but the experienced Joyce quickly asserted his dominance at centre ring, taking the wind out of the Australian's sails with some big rights and a dangerous uppercut.
Goodall moved well in the first round and often beat the Englishman to his punches. But Joyce was stalking his every move and managed to find a few flush shots late to take a close round.
Joyce hasn't got much speed but he works the ring with precision and throws punches with power from both hands. Goodall didn't want to stand and exchange but kept finding himself backed into a corner, where Joyce was able to score and inflict damage.
Goodall found himself on the end of a standing count in the second round, although it seemed to be after a low blow. Even still, the matter was largely beyond doubt.
There were a few bright moments for the Australian in the final round but it ended with Joyce banging away and winning a clear decision and the gold medal.
