'Yeah, he was rough and ready,' he said later. 'He got me a couple of elbows when you jumped in with a jab. I thought I nicked the third, especially with the point deduction'
One down in the North Paris Arena for Team Ireland as Dean Clancy was the first in the boxing ring in these Olympics and the first to fall.
He sparred with experienced light-welterweight Obada Al-Kasbeh during Ireland's final build-up camp in Germany three weeks ago and did well against the Jordanian. Clancy certainly felt that the rugged Al-Kasbeh deserved an earlier points deduction when he was punched on the side of the face after slipping to the canvas.
Clancy refused to put his slow start - his opponent was awarded the round by four of the five judges - down to nerves as a first-time Olympian.
Boxing Olympic Council Of Ireland Kellie Harrington
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