ST JOSEPH’S star Joe Cordina lost a golden chance of success at Glasgow 2014 and declared himself ‘gutted’ to have to settle for bronze.

The 22-year-old from Cardiff, who trains with Tony Borg in Newport, was the favourite to win Commonwealth Games gold in the 60kg division.

But his split decision defeat to home favourite Charlie Flynn means he goes home with a bronze – just like his Welsh teammates Sean McGoldrick, Ashley Williams, Nathan Thorley and Lauren Price.

Cordina was the most disappointed of the five to lose today and he admits he only has himself to blame.

“I’m gutted,” he said. “That’s the only word I can use; absolutely gutted.

“I got dragged into a fight. It’s my own fault; I could have made it a lot easier for myself if I’d just let him walk onto shots.

“But he is a tough boy and he does wear people down. That’s what happened to me.”

Cordina won the first round but Flynn, cheered on by a riotous Scottish crowd at the SECC, fought his way back into the bout and won the next two – taking the third round 10-8 according to the Danish judge.

“I got dragged into a fight and I held my feet for too long. I got told by Colin I had to hit and move but I got drawn into his game,” said Cordina.

“Not everyone can say they’ve been to a Commonwealth Games and won a bronze medal so I will take that into future tournaments as a confidence booster but it would have been better if I was on the top of the podium.”

He added: “I’m going to take a little bit of time off now and spend some time with my family because it’s been a hard few months.

“I’ll relax for a couple of weeks and see where I am when I come back to the gym.”

Welsh boxing team captain Williams, who lost to India’s Devendro Laishram via unanimous decision, is also looking to the future.

“I will relax a bit first before going back to the Army and training,” said the Bridgend boxer.

“We will see what happens from there whether I go up to Olympic podium programme with Team GB or stay at development level.

“Hopefully I have proved enough at these games I can stay at podium and be a full-time athlete like the rest of the Great Britain boys.

“My wife and I will have a talk,” he added. “I do sacrifice a lot for my kids and wife and I don’t see them very often.

“I am away a lot but that’s the way it is. Everyone has to earn their money differently and I love my job.”