Boxing: Commons nears medal

Christchurch fighter Carl Commons is one step away from a Commonwealth Games boxing medal after clinging on to win a brutal light welterweight bout yesterday.

In his first appearance at the Games, Commons held a healthy lead on points against rugged Malawi opponent Osgood Kayuni before being caught by two powerful left hands in the early part of the final round.

He spent the rest of the round back-pedalling to win 29-22 on points.

Commons is the 64kg national champion and was initially passed over for selection by the New Zealand Olympic Committee before winning his place in the team on appeal.

His is the second New Zealand win in the ring following victory for middleweight Kahukura Bentson on Saturday night and sets up a quarter-final against Kenyan Black Moses Mathenge.

Victory for Commons will guarantee him a medal.

- NZPA