OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Ogogo crushed in middleweight semi-final

By Sean-Paul Doran, Sportsbeat, London 2012

GREAT Britain boxer Anthony Ogogo insisted he has no regrets as his London 2012 dreams of Olympic middleweight gold ended with a semi-final defeat.

BRAZIL'S BEST: Great Britain's Anthony Ogogo could not secure a chance to fight for gold

Games debutant Ogogo fell to a 16-9 defeat against Esquiva Falcao Florentino of Brazil and had to settle for a bronze medal instead of the gold he had set his heart on.

And the 23-year-old Brit admitted his disappointment to miss out on Olympic glory on home soil after being beaten by the same boxer who beat him in last year’s World Championships.

“I am devastated. I am really sad about it. He is a brilliant fighter and I am going to remain humble and gracious,” he said.

"It was a tough fight. I gave it my best and I have still got a bronze medal. It has taken a lot out of me but I can't use that as an excuse. He is a good fighter and I didn't turn up.

“I gave it my all and no one can fault my effort. It just wasn't my time this time.”

After a tight first round ended 3-3, the Brazilian took control of the bout to outscore Ogogo 6-3 in the second round and his victory seemed within touching distance.

A convincing final round from Falcao saw Ogogo receive a standing count twice and the Brazilian saw out the fight with ease as he secured his place against Japan’s Ryota Murata in tomorrow’s final.

And the Brit admitted he will be left to wonder what might have been after targeting this fight as one he thought he could have won against a familiar opponent.

"I take my hat off to him, but I have beaten people better than him at this tournament,” he said.

“I want to be happy for him but I've got to lick my wounds.”

© Sportsbeat 2012