Efetobor Apochi’s Victory At The Quarter Finals- Australian Perspective

Nigeria's Efetobor Apochi lands a punch on Australia's Jai Opetaia. Photo: AFP

A distraught Jai Opetaia was left speechless after he departed the Commonwealth Games boxing tournament following a lackluster performance in his heavyweight (91kg) bout with Nigeria's Efetobor Apochi.

It was a largely difficult day for Australia in the SECC ring before women's lightweight Shelley Watts flew the flag late with a barnstorming stoppage of Isabelle Ratna from Mauritius to move through to the semi-finals in blistering style.

Earlier, Opetaia was too upset to speak with the media after the unanimous decision, in which he won the first round but faded badly as his more physical opponent wore him down over the final two rounds

It looked as if Opetaia had the superior skillset in the opening round but even then the Australian looked like a man without a game plan. The few bodyshots he threw all found a home and he should have sought that target more.

By the time he came out for the second, Apochi was able to bully him around the ring and land heavy shots, which were clearly having an impact as Opetaia leaned all over his opponent and appeared to be completely out of petrol.

The Australian tried to rally in the final round but his counters off the ropes were ineffectual and Apochi was given a deserved decision and a spot in the semi-finals.

Australian boxing coach Don Abnett was left stunned as one of his medal hopes melted away.

"I don't know what happened. He prepared well. He put in 10 weeks of hard prep in for this. He didn't just get it together," Abnett said. "His opponent was physically strong and took the ground off Jai and Jai couldn't get in his rhythm."