Dean Clancy's Olympics debut did not go the way he would have hoped for, with the Sligo boxer suffering a narrow defeat against Jordan's Obada Alkasbeh in Paris yesterday.
The 23-year old entered these games with high expectations, although there was a sense he did not quite perform to his best in this bout. He struggled in the opening round, and while he would bounce back pretty well from that point onwards, the Irishman would come up just short.
Despite Alkasbeh being deducted a point during the final round, he would emerge victorious via a split decision.
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Michael Conlon Praises Sligo Boxer Despite Olympics Heartbreak
This was a first appearance at the Olympics for Dean Clancy, someone who many view as one of the brightest prospects in Irish boxing. Reaching the Paris games at his age is certainly no mean feat, with most fighters at that level much further along in their careers.
The Sligo man was visibly emotional after the fight when speaking to RTÉ.
“I thought I nicked the third, especially with the point deduction.”
An emotional Dean Clancy reacts after his Olympic dream came to an end after a narrow defeat to Obada Alkasbeh. #rtesport #paris2024
📱Updates https://t.co/FuDhcWj4NG
📺Watch https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ pic.twitter.com/bRDmvWIKHJ— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 27, 2024
I knew going in it was going to be a tough fight, pace wise. It just took me a round to settle.
I thought I came in in the second round and I thought I did enough the third round as well, thought I got more of the shots.
That's the way it goes. I'll be off cheering my teammates, they're starting tomorrow as well. But I'm really disappointed...
I thought I nicked the third, especially with the point deduction. He hit me down on the floor twice, kind of gave me a little bit of a diss. Look it is what it is, I knew he was going to be rough and tough.
I'm just disappointed about the last (round) scoring...
It's been amazing. I've just got to remember to be grateful to be in the position I'm in.
I just want to thank all my family. They flew in there the other day with my friends. I'm sorry I didn't get the win.
While this was no doubt a difficult defeat for Clancy, he will be expected to go from strength to strength over the coming years.
The likes of Eric Donovan and Michael Conlan were among those to praise the boxer in the aftermath of this fight.
We're gutted for Dean. What a legend qualifying for Olympics at 22. Most Olympic medal winners for boxing are aged 26/27, so for a 22 year old the learning is huge, and he's good enough for LA if he wants it. Think Carruth + McCullough + Nevin, all successful 2nd time. Head up!💚 https://t.co/bDD6ElvIuw
— Cllr Eric Donovan (@ericdonovanbox) July 27, 2024
Unlucky Deano, very well spoken here. You can feel the emotions he’s going through, gutting feeling. Keep your head up champ you made it to an Olympic Games, an unbelievable achievement. Big future ahead! https://t.co/FeRZ0YNoOu
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) July 27, 2024
You did us proud Dean! 💚 https://t.co/dyHXKvtykO
— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) July 27, 2024
We couldn't be more proud of you, Dean - Once an Olympian, always an Olympian. https://t.co/eg8q9kLdi7
— IABA (@IABABOXING) July 27, 2024
What a man...👏🏽👏🏽
A credit to your family and Country!!@dean_clancy #Olympian !!
🏁🇮🇪 https://t.co/uSoP5VQmqn— Brian McGauran (@McgauranBrian) July 27, 2024
Considering his age, it is likely that Dean Clancy will be hitting his peak by the time the next Olympics rolls around in 2028.
While his time in Paris ended on a disappointing not, there is no doubt that this experience will stand to him moving forward.
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