Damien Hooper has danced and belted his way through to the gold-medal final of the 75kg boxing division at the Youth Olympics in Singapore with a 4-0 win over Hunagrian Zoltan Harcsa in three rounds.

Hooper looked comfortable against Harcsa and was not challenged like during Saturday night’s victory against junior world No 1, Joe Ward.

While Harcsa has shown ability in reaching the semi-finals, Hooper said it would be the gold medal and the win against Ward that people would remember him for.

 “Last night against the Irishman [Joe Ward] was always going to be my most difficult fight of this tournament,” Hooper said.

“Tonight against the Hungarian fighter I knew from the start I just had to stay focused and things would work out. I knew if I got in front there was no way he was going to catch me and I guess that’s what happened.”

Fighting in red trunks, Hooper kept things tight in the first round letting Harcsa chase him around the ring, before reversing the trend with 40 seconds to go and turning on the front foot.

It wasn’t until 40 seconds into the second round that Hooper registered the first point – throwing a combo of three quick punches with the third finding its mark and the judges’ eyes.

Hooper scored again with 36 seconds remaining in the second round, catching the Hungarian on the ropes and inflicting a straight right to his face.

The AIS scholarship holder opened the third and final round with a two point lead and increased it to four with a nice combo that ended in a right hook.

Throughout the fight Hooper’s footwork was quick and unpredictable. He said the technical side of his boxing was coming together at the right time.

“I’ve worked very hard for this,” Hooper said.

“I want it so bad, I need this.

“One more fight on Wednesday and I’m there – I’m not taking the final lightly but I don’t think there is anyone here who can stop me – especially now the Irish guy is out.

“I’ve said it before that if I’m switched on there’s no-one that can beat me.”

Elliot Woods

AOC