On Saturday, August 20, 2016, the 2012 London Olympic gold medalist, Robeisy Ramirez took a close split-decision victory over American Shakur Stevenson to snag the gold medal in Rio.
The Bantamweight bout was tight, with Ramirez unanimously taking Round 1 on the judges’ cards and Stevenson doing the same in Round 2, but the Cuban’s activity proved to be the difference in the decisive third and final round.
Stevenson was understandably upset after the fight, but was still gracious in defeat and said that he felt his Cuban opponent won the bout.
Shakur Stevenson crying A LOT backstage. Claressa Shields supporting him.
— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) August 20, 2016
Stevenson’s story was well documented throughout the games, as he proved to be one of the best boxing prospects in recent American history.
The silver medal is the best finish for an American male since Andre Ward took gold as a light heavyweight in 2004.
Claressa Shields, who won gold in London, will be the final American boxer with a chance to win gold in Rio as she takes on Nouchka Fontijn of the Netherlands on Sunday.
Stevenson showed a lot of promise throughout the competition and with his recent signing to Floyd Mayweather‘s Mayweather Promotions imprint, the New Jersey native will continue to develop.
