By Tom Degun in Singapore

August 25 - Ryan Burnett (pictured) picked-up Ireland's first gold medal of the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games when he won the light-flyweight title, beating Azerbaijan's Salman Alizida, here tonight.



The 17-year-old from from Belfast, who dropped his opponent in the third round, won 13-6.

It was sweet revenge for a highly controversial defeat to Alizida in Baku at the World Youth Championships when he had to handle the vociferous support from the Azerbaijan fans.

Burnett's coach Gerry Storey said: "After the abuse he got the last time they boxed this is particularly satisfying for him.

"He’s a young lad and the last time he boxed in Azerbaijan where that lad came from, the moment he stepped in the ring the abuse started.

"They were taxied in from all over the place.

"It was like a packed Kings Hall and they were all baying for Ryan’s blood.

"Anything the other lad did, even if he got a deep breath, they were bawling for him and cheering him on.

"But Ryan was ready this time.

"Once the level playing field was there he showed what he can do.

"He’s a good kid, terrific prospect."

Burnett jumped into the arms of Irish coach Jim Moore at the final bell and then described his gold medal victory as simply "incredible".

Burnett added: “I knew it was going to be tough because of the fight we had in Baku but I also knew that if I boxed the way I was told to then I could win it by seven or eight points.

"It's just unbelievable to win gold, unbelievable.

"I knew what to expect and the key for me was the jab. I boxed behind the jab and it paid off.

"Now I have this gold I guess the ultimate goal now is for me to go for gold at the major Olympics."

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