KEY POINTS

  • The Cuban fighter took the bout on a split decision.
  • Argilagos is the favourite in the light flyweight division.

Great Britain's Galal Yafai has been eliminated from the light flyweight division in Rio by Cuba's Joahnys Argilagos. The highly rated southpaw from Birmingham produced some eye-catching combinations in their round-of-16 clash, but was still beaten by the number one-ranked fighter in the division.

The 23-year-old Brit was on the front foot through the opening round, looking to take charge in the centre of the ring, while the skillful Cuban opted to box on the outside, seeking one-punch counter-shots.

The round was ultimately awarded to the fleet-footed Argilagos by two of the judges, however, who favoured his more fluid-looking style.

Argilagos, 19, continued to box on the outside in the second round, and he landed some impressive counter-shots once again. The brilliant teenager evaded Yafai for much of the round and was justifiably awarded it by all three judges.

To his credit, Yafai made a conscious effort to raise the tempo in the third and final round, but the remarkably composed Cuban showed an impressive range of skills to keep his opponent at a comfortable distance.

In winning the fight on a split decision, Argilagos underlined his status as the pre-tournament favourite and one of the best amateur boxers on the planet.