Wyatt Sanford became Canada’s first Olympic boxing medallist in 28 years on Sunday following a semifinal loss to France’s Sofiane Oumiha in the men’s 63.5-kilogram weight class.
The 25-year-old from Kennetcook, N.S., lost 4-1 on points, but he was assured a medal entering the bout as both semifinal losers receive bronze.
Despite moments of success with his left hook and a strong showing in the second round, Sanford was ultimately unable to overcome the three-time lightweight world champion.
David Defiagbon won Canada’s last Olympic medal in the sport with heavyweight silver at the Atlanta Games, while Lennox Lewis was the last Canadian to capture gold with the super-heavyweight title in 1988 in Seoul.
Sanford won his quarterfinal against Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Abdullaev on Thursday, guaranteeing him a medal result.
“It feels amazing. I am sure it will kick in when I meet my parents soon,” Sanford said of being assured a medal.
“I’m super excited and super thrilled that we were able to bring home a medal for Canada in boxing. It hasn’t been done for 28 years.”
“It was a great fight. Never count me out after the first round,” said Sanford, who was trailing his opponent at that time. “I’m used to losing the first round, but it’s my heart, my cardio that will push through, so I could win the second and the third.”
WATCH | Sanford punches his way to an Olympic medal:
Wyatt Sanford of Kennetcook, N.S., beat Ruslan Abdullaev of Uzbekistan in the men’s 63.5 kilogram quarterfinals, to advance to the semifinals where he’s guaranteed at least a bronze medal at Paris 2024.