U.S. boxer Shakur Stevenson can't contain emotions after heartbreaking loss
Cuban boxer Robeisy Ramirez beat top American prospect Shakur Stevenson to win the bantamweight final and earn his second gold medal at the Rio Olympics on Saturday.
After being even on the scorecard through two rounds, Ramirez won the third 29-28 on two scorecards. Stevenson, fighting out of Newark, New Jersey, won one card 29-28.
It was a heartbreaking loss for the 19-year-old Stevenson, seen as a major boxing talent and touted by the likes of Floyd Mayweather coming into the Olympics. The silver medalist pulled his jersey over his face in the ring and put a towel over his head as he sobbed and was consoled by his family.
And in the post-fight interview, Stevenson lauded his competitor — "I felt he got his victory, and much respect to him" — before breaking down after the first international loss of his career.
Heartbreaking. Shakur Stevenson breaks down in an emotional interview after taking #silver. https://t.co/pq99Sz3O2D https://t.co/zwu0QNon9w
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 20, 2016
Later boxing gold medalist Claressa Shields reached out to console her distraught teammate.
A distraught @ShakurStevenson is consoled by @Claressashields after #boxing gold medal fight pic.twitter.com/jeStmQg2e3
— NPR Olympics News (@nprolympics) August 20, 2016
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
