THE biggest storyline on Day 2 of the Olympic boxing tournament was former IBF flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng scoring a decision victory against Argentina’s Ignacio Perrin in the men’s lightweight division (60kg) to avoid the embarrassment of an early exit similar to that suffered by rugged professional middleweight contender Hassan N’Dam, who suffered that ignominious fate Monday.
Looking to avoid the fate of fellow pro Hassan N’Dam in his lightweight bout, Ruenroeng got his Olympic stint off to what was regarded as “an impressive start, although he engaged in plenty of clinching, clutching and wrestling.”
But ringside reports from Rio said Ruenroeng, who was knocked out in the 4th round of a world title rematch with the Philippines’ Johnreil Casimero used an effective jab and straight right hand against the aggressive Perrin.
The Argentine grew more frustrated in Round 2 as he constantly fell short with his punches and in a clinch, Perrin tossed Ruenroeng to the canvas and was cautioned by the referee.
Ruenroeng was reportedly content to counter and play spoiler.
The best action of Round 3 came when both men tackled each other to the mat. Ruenroeng was clearly the better ring general and he impressively never allowed Perrin to find a rhythm. It was a typical Ruenroeng win.