Heartache for Stubbs as medal hopes slip away

PUNCHING POWER . . . Tommy Stubbs unleashes a shot to the body of Andrew Selby. PICTURE: Courtesy Press Association

BOXING: TOMMY Stubbs suffered last-gasp agony on his Commonwealth Games debut.

The Northside boxer (20), representing England in the 52kg category, was 1-0 up for virtually all of his bout with Andrew Selby, of Wales.

But Selby levelled matters seconds before the end of the contest, and was awarded victory on the count-back.

Stubbs’ mum, Heather, said: “We watched it live on the television and feel really bad for Tommy.

“Selby’s shots connected more frequently and Tommy knew he had lost it on the count-back because he pointed to Selby.

“It is a shame, but he is going to stay with the squad and cheer them on, and time is on his side for future achievements.”

Stubbs scored the first point and tried to defend it behind a tight guard. When the bout went to countback there was little doubt over who would gain the verdict.

Selby went on to issue a damning verdict on Haroon Khan’s belief that he is the best flyweight fighter in Britain ahead of their Saturday afternoon showdown when a Commonwealth medal will be at stake.

Selby rounded on rival Khan, who has made vocal claims that he should have been the one chosen at the weight for the Great Britain podium squad.

Selby said: “Haroon’s had many chances with the GB squad, but he’s just ended up getting hurt. I’m not the greatest at sparring, but I still did him. He rushes in without thinking and I’ll just pick him off.”

Haroon, representing Pakistan, followed Selby and Stubbs into the ring and into the quarter–finals with an 8–5 win over Gilbert Bactora of Mauritius.

Khan claimed not to recall the alleged sparring session in question and refused to get drawn into a war of words, insisting he bore no ill will towards his Great Britain rivals, but would aim to make his point in the ring.

Khan said: “This is the time for me to prove everyone wrong and I’m sure I’ll do that. It’s going to be a big thing for me to beat a Brit because he’s where I wanted to be and that’s in the GB podium squad.”

Meanwhile disappointed Stubbs added fuel to the potentially incendiary showdown between Selby and Khan.

“Andrew will get the gold now,” said Stubbs. “He’ll easily beat Haroon — both of us would easily beat Haroon.”