Samardali medal hopes blown away

Jordan Samardali’s quest for a guaranteed Commonwealth Games medal lasted 39 seconds at Scottish Entertainment and Convention Centre this morning (WA time).

Samardali lost by technical knock-out to Mauritian Kennedy St Pierre in their men’s light-heavyweight (81kg) quarter-final.

Victory in the bout would have assured the West Australian of at least a bronze medal.

However, the fight was stopped by referee Roland Juhasz when All Africa Games champion St Pierre produced a vicious right with 2min 21sec left in the opening round.

The Mullaloo fighter pleaded to be allowed to fight on but the official wouldn’t change his mind.

Samardali, who had won his two previous bouts at Glasgow 2014 by split decision, posted on Facebook: "Hey sorry guys I lost my fight tonight caught with a good shot.

"Got up thought I was good to box on but the ref stopped it ... But that's boxing sometimes I guess.

"Still won 2 fights and made it to the quarter finals. So it was a great experience. just want to thank everyone for there overwhelming support! I'll be back! decisions."

Referee Roland Juhasz waves off the fight despite Samardali wanting to continue. Pic: Ian Munro/WA News


There was better news for other Australians with super-heavyweight (+91kg) Joe Goodall and flyweight (52kg) Andrew Moloney guaranteeing themselves medals.

And women's lightweight (60kg) Kaye Scott won her preliminary against fancied English fighter Natasha Jonas.