Ishaiash books Rio quarter-final spot

AMMAN — Jordan boxer Hussein Ishaiash has won an enthralling fight to book a historic spot in the Olympic quarter-finals of the super heavyweight division, according to the Jordan Olympic Committee News Service. Ishaiash beat Romanian Mihal Nistor by a split decision in a brutal contest to become the first Jordanian boxer to make the last eight at the Olympics.

“I can’t tell you right now just how much this means to me,” said the 21-year old who carried Jordan’s flag at the Opening Ceremony last week. I really am speechless. I gave everything I had in the ring. I promised I would and threw everything at him. This is an amazing feeling for me and my country.

I hope Jordan is proud. I did this for them.” Ishaiash, who is considered relatively small for the +91kg division, adapted his technique superbly against the highly regarded the 25-year old, who has spent the past two years fighting professionally and won bronze at the European Championships last year.

Ishaiash will now face World No. 1 Tony Yoka in the quarter-finals on Tuesday after the Frenchman beat Laurent Clayton Jr from the Virgin Islands.