ISHAIASH WINS TO BOOK OLYMPIC QUARTER FINAL SPOT

Boxer Hussein Ishaiash has won an enthralling fight to book an historic spot in the Olympic quarter finals of the super heavyweight division.

Ishaiash beat Romanian Mihal Nistor by a split decision in an brutal contest to become the first Jordanian boxer to make the last eight at an Olympic Games.

“I can’t tell you right now just how much this means to me,” said the 21-year-old who carried Jordan’s flag at the Opening Ceremony last week. “I really am speechless. I gave everything I had in the ring. I promised I would and threw everything at him. This is an amazing feeling for me and my country. I hope Jordan is proud. I did this for them.” Ishaiash, who is considered relatively small for the +91kg division, adapted his technique superbly against the highly regarded 25-year-old, who has spent the past two years fighting professionally and won bronze at the European Championships last year.

Round One

 Both fighters go toe to toe in a brutal opening round, trading punches and the judges all give the round to Hussein.

Round Two

Another fantastic round of boxing which is paused to allow Nistor to have treatment to a cut below his eye after an accidental clash of heads. Late on Hussein is caught by a big right forcing a standing count. Two of the three judges give the round to Hussein who is giving his all and is now 2-0 up.

Round Three

Unbelievable bravery from Hussein as he stands up to some brutal attacks from the Romainian who must knock him out to win. He survives another standing count midway through but boxes his way back brilliantly to see the round out. The round goes to Nistor but it was unbelievable stuff from the Jordanian who wins the fight two rounds to one.

Ishaiash will now face World No 1 Tony Yoka in the quarter-finals after the Frenchman beat Laurent Clayton Jr from the Virgin Islands. That fight will take place on Tuesday.