DEGALE BAGS BOXING GOLD
Great Britain's James Degale claimed a brilliant boxing gold medal after a bruising middleweight 16-14 victory over Cuba's Emilio Correa in Beijing.

Degale adopted his usual elusive tactics in the opening round and took a 6-1 lead after his opponent was penalised for hitting on the break.

Correa attempted to lure Degale into a fight in the second round but the Briton managed to stay out of danger and a superb left hook put him 9-4 up at the halfway stage.

The third round saw Correa finally get Degale into a battle and the Cuban enjoyed some succcess as he made it 11-8.

That set up a wild finish and the pair went at it hammer and tongs in the final round with Degale keeping his nose just in front to claim a thrilling win. The Londoner sank to his knees at the final bell then showboated in front of the Chinese crowd with the Union Jack draped on his shoulders.

Degale admitted Correa was a tough competitor - and revealed he had been bitten in the first round by the Cuban. "He knew he was six points down and bit me," said Degale. "He was tough, horrible and strong throughout the bout. But I'm Olympic champion, it's unbelievable."



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