Belfast’s Walsh despairs after split decision loss to Olympic champion

Nicola Adams repelled the brave challenge of flyweight Michaela Walsh to claim Commonwealth Games boxing gold in Glasgow.

The 31-year-old Olympic champion was pushed to the limit by Walsh, who represents Ireland at amateur level, and will go home with a richly deserved silver medal after a promising week of performances.

The three ringside judges did not quite see the fight the same way with just one scoring in favour of Adams as she triumphed only via split decision, with the other two judges calling it a draw.

Speaking to the BBC afterwards Walsh was heartbroken and stunned that the decision had not gone her way.

“I know in my heart I won that fight, I wanted it more,” said the Belfast-born boxer. “But, congratulations to Nicola Adams, she’s a great boxer.”

Fearless Walsh went into the fight convinced of her ability to cause an upset and started well as she snaked home a right hand in the opening seconds.

However, Adams stepped up a gear - landing a left and right combination which wobbled Walsh - and following up with a sharp right hand as she pursued the fighter from the North around the ring.

After a tangle sent the pair rolling on the floor early in the third round, Walsh had some success with her left hand, but Adams responded with a good right on her way to a split decision.

At 21, Walsh is a decade younger than Adams and has a bright future ahead of her in the sport. But, that will be small consolation to her today as she reflects on what she believes was a fight she won.

“I feel as if I have been cheated of the gold medal.”