Steven Donnelly has missed his chance to secure an Olympic medal this evening after he was beaten by Moroccan fighter Mohamed Rabii.
Donnelly was competing in the quarter-final of the welterweight (69kg) category but found it difficult to break down the hard-hitting world champion.
One judge awarded him the fight 29-27, but suffered the reverse on the cards of judges A and B. He was beaten via split decision.
"I'm gutted with the result, I gave it my all in there. I thought it was very close as well. At the end there I actually tripped over my left foot and he gave me a standing count.
"I know he hits hard and stuff but I just tripped over my foot and that was the last ten seconds... I gave it my all in there and I can walk away from these Games very proud. I don't think anyone was expecting me to get this far except myself and my coaches.
"I can walk away proud, I'd have loved to have brought a medal back to everyone, but it's not to be."
Commenting on the close scores he said: "He has that with his name being world champion, so you probably have to impress every round to try and get it. I knew that as well, but when you go in with that performance it was close and the result didn't do me justice.
"There's no regrets here. I've lifted spirits in the camp twice and unfortunately I couldn't do it again today and I can walk away with my head held high. I believe in myself and I always have."
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