WATCH: Delight and disappointment as Joe Ward wins but Sean McComb misses out

By Stephen Barry

European Games medallist Sean McComb was left disappointed after losing a split decision at the World Championships in Doha this evening.

The Belfast lightweight lost out to former World Champion Albert Selimov, despite winning all three rounds on one judge’s card.

“It was very, very close. If we got it, I don’t think anyone would have complained,” said head coach Billy Walsh after the 29-28, 29-28, 27-30 verdict. “One of the judges gave us the three rounds and the other two gave it two rounds to one [for Selimov].

“I thought we sneaked the first round but unfortunately your man’s reputation went before him and the judges gave him the first round. That changed the fight and it’s very difficult to come back from that.”

Sean McComb and Billy Walsh react to the close loss. Video by Paul Mohan/ Sportsfile

“I’m disappointed but it’s a learning curve,” said McComb after the defeat.

“I’m 23 years of age – that guy I boxed was 30. He’s a former World Champion, current WSB [World Series Boxing] World Champion.

“If I’m still around at his age I’ll be happy, never mind boxing at this level. So there’s still a lot to learn.”

Earlier today Joe Ward won his first bout of his Championships, to become the fourth Irish boxer to advance to the quarter-finals.

Ward secured a 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 unanimous decision over Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Kyyzhniak.

Billy Walsh speaking after Joe Ward's last-16 victory. Video by Paul Mohan/ Sportsfile

“It’s hard to come in when so many of your teammates have had two fights already,” said Walsh after the fight. “He’s been waiting and he was in great form coming out of the training camp, and ready to go maybe seven or ten days ago.”

“He took his foot off the gas a bit because he knew he was ahead and he couldn’t lose unless he was stopped, so it’s something we need to learn from and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”