Boxing: Boxer out but not down

New Zealand heavyweight Yamiko Chinula could hold his head high after bowing out of the world amateur boxing championships in Chicago yesterday.

Chinula, from Canterbury, was beaten by medal favourite Nijati Yushan, who led 19-4 on points halfway through the three-round bout. But Chinula, fighting a southpaw for the first time, lifted his game in the final round and hurt the Chinese boxer, who needed a doctor's attention in his corner.

Chinula, who won his first fight 15-14 over Yekeni Awusone, of Ghana, continued to pressure Yushan but the Chinese boxer took the bout 27-13.