Brilliant Conor Quinn bows out of World Youth Championships

Conor Quinn turned in a fine performance this afternoon, but has ultimately been eliminated from the World Youth Championships following his opening bout in St Petersburg.

The Belfast flyweight was given the nightmare draw of Cuban Elio Crespo-Santos in the Round of 32, but matched his opponent for large parts of the fight.

It was hard to separate the pair in a cagey opening round, with Quinn not willing to make the first move, while left the rangey Carribbean counter puncher – who was slightly more active – somewhat out of his comfort zone.

The Clonard fighter had more joy in an open second round. Staying on the back foot, Quinn caught the Cuban numerous times on the way in, although the stylish Santos did land some eye-catching shots of his own.

The Ulster switch-hitter landed the best punch of the fight in the final round, with a big counter left hook after ducking another Cuban attack. However, the sustained pressure from Crespo-Santos certainly made an impression.

With the result by no means apparent, the bout went to the judges who sided with Crespo-Santos who know goes on to face Puerto Rican Bryan Almeyda in the Last 16 on Monday evening.

While his tournament may be over, Quinn can leave Russia with his head held high following a hugely impressive performance and will definitely be one to watch next year at senior level.