THE Team Wales boxers completed a full set of five bronze medals at Glasgow 2014 after the quintet all lost their semi-finals.
St Joseph’s star Joe Cordina will be the most disappointed not to be going for gold in this afternoon’s 60kg final at the Hydro.
The 22-year-old from Cardiff, who trains with Tony Borg in Newport, was the favourite to win the gold but he was beaten by Scotland’s Charlie Flynn via a split decision.
“I’m gutted,” said Cordina. “It’s my own fault because I got dragged into a fight and the crowd pulled him through.”
Bargoed’s Lauren Price and Bridgend boxer Ashley Williams also had to settle for bronze after losing their semi-finals in the evening session – just as Sean McGoldrick and Nathan Thorley had in the afternoon.
Both were proud of their achievements, however, with Price becoming the first Welsh woman boxer to win a medal at a Commonwealth Games.
The 20-year-old was only denied the chance to fight for gold after losing a very tight split decision to experienced Canadian Ariane Fortin.
“It was a hard fight but she is ten years older than me and a two-time world champion,” said Price.
“I gave it my all. It has been a great experience and I hope to be back in four years time.
“I came here with the goal of getting a medal and I achieved that.”
Price, who was captain of the Wales under-19s football team until last year, now faces a tough decision on whether to stick with boxing or return to playing in midfield for her country.
“I am not sure whether I will be doing football or boxing next,” she said.
“I might look for the Olympics so who knows?”
Williams, the Welsh boxing team captain, was outfought by a highly impressive Devendro Laishram of India over three rounds.
The 23-year-old, who combines his boxing with a career in the British Army, lost a unanimous decision to the Indian.
He was knocked down in the second round but fought on bravely and he’s pleased to be taking a bronze medal home to Wales.
“I thought the fight was close at times,” he said.
“He was a strong bloke and threw a lot of hooks and he caught me with one and put me on my bum.
“But I’m very proud of my achievements,” he added.
“I’ve only been around the last two and a half years. I will come back and be better and stronger and maybe next Games you will see me going for the gold.
“I promised my kids I would bring them home a medal and I did that,” he added.
“It’s not the colour I wanted but I wear the medal with pride.”
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