Callum Peters’ bid to become the first Australian to win gold at the World Boxing Championships is over, with the hyped No Limit prospect suffering an upset loss against Canadian Joshua William Ofori.
Despite being considered one of Australia’s strongest medal prospects, Peters was beaten on points by his highly aggressive rival and appeared to suffer a concussion after a clash of heads in the first round.
All five judges gave the bout to Ofori.
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Despite the surprise result, several more Aussies have won their opening bouts in the esteemed amateur tournament, which is being broadcast out of the UK on both Kayo Sports and Main Event.
Central Coast fighter Lachlan Lawson was the biggest winner, stopping Surat Garayev in the first round of his 85kg bout, while Victorian duo Jacob Cassar and Marissa Williamson Pohlman also enjoyed victories.
Main Event’s Ben Damon confirmed Peters had been attended to by a doctor for his potential concussion after the loss, and suggested his Canadian rival had undeniably “fought the fight of his life”.
Damon also credited the 22-year-old South Australian’s class shown in defeat.
“There were high hopes of Callum Peters coming home with a medal, and even our first ever gold,” Damon said.
“But when you’re as good as Callum is, everyone you fight is going to try to lift to a whole new level and that’s exactly what happened in this bout.
“His Canadian opponent was really quite exceptional and deserved the win – he fought the fight of his life.
“Callum was with the doctor after the fight and it’s believed he may have suffered a slight concussion in the opening round from a clash of heads, so that certainly would have contributed to him varying from his game plan.
“But this is amateur boxing and these sorts of upsets happen all the time.
“It’s no surprise at all that Callum carried himself with utter class after the fight and despite this setback his future is as bright as any young boxer in the world today.
“It will be interesting to see if he fights on in the amateurs towards next year’s Commonwealth Games – where he would again be a medal favourite – or commits himself entirely to the professional scene.
“But whatever he does, it’s going to be exciting as he is a special character and a world class boxer.”
Australians in action tonight include Emma Sue Greentree and Monique Suraci, while Cassar has his second bout (round of 32).
While no Aussie has ever won gold at the world amateur tournament, there were high hopes Peter would be the first – with the Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver medallist currently ranked No.1 in the world on Boxrec.
The hyped South Australian prospect is also unbeaten in four fights as a professional, and finished off preparations for his historic push in Sydney sparring Paulo Aokuso and Mounir Fathi.
After competing in the Olympics at 80kg, Peters had dropped down to 75kg for this event.
Previously, five males including Brisbane heavyweight Justis Huni have won bronze, while Caitlin Parker and Kaye Scott have also won silver, with the latter doing so twice.
Other fighters to have won bronze include Jamie Nicolson, Justin Rowsell, Stefan Scriggins and Joe Goodall.
Among Aussie females, Skye Nicolson, Jessica Bagley and Emma Sue Greentree have also won bronze.
There are 12 Aussies in action in the tournament, with finals underway from September 12.
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