United States boxer Nico Hernandez lost by a unanimous decision to Ukrainian Hasanboy Dusmatov in the light flyweight semifinals on Friday morning, but still earned a bronze medal. It was the USA’s first boxing medal since 2008 and first in the weight class in 28 years.
Olympic games results 2016: Nico Hernandez wins USA’s first boxing medal since 2008
The USA didn’t win a boxing medal in London.
Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Hernandez knew he’d walk away with a medal of some sort just by reaching the semifinal. Olympic boxing events award bronze medals to both competitors who lose in the semis, so he’ll share the honor with Cuba’s Joahnys Argilagos. The Cuban lost 2-1 to Colombian Yuberjen Martinez.
The loss was disappointing because it knocked Hernandez out of gold medal contention.The 20-year-old said after his win over Ecuador’s Carlos Pilataxi, “I came here to get a gold medal, and so I won’t be satisfied until I get the gold.”
But the first-time Olympian did end America’s medal drought from London.
Dusmatov and Martinez will box for gold on Sunday.
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