BOXING: Daniel Lewis has confirmed he will be one of Australia’s top medal prospects at this year’s World Boxing Championships, after winning gold at the Doha International in Qatar on Saturday night.
Another Australian, Jason Whately, claimed silver in the heavyweight division.
Lewis, who has moved up a weight division to middleweight since last year’s Commonwealth Games, beat Iraq’s Abdulridha Waheed in the final.
Boxing Australia head coach, Kevin Smith, said Lewis could not have been more impressive throughout the event.
“Daniel boxed well for the third day in a row and I think comfortably defeated his Iraqi opponent in the final,” Smith said.
“Daniel had to work hard to close down his opponent throughout the bout, as he attempted to hit and run to avoid getting involved in any exchanges.”
Lewis was denied the chance of a Commonwealth Games medal in Glasgow when doctors ruled him out of the competition with an eye injury sustained during a head clash.
Whately was beaten in his final by Jordan’s Ihab al-Matbouli, but Smith was satisfied with the Victorian’s performance.
“Jason lost a close points decision to his Jordanian opponent,” he said.
“But he will have benefitted greatly from the experience gained here in Doha.
Qatar will also be the host of the 2015 World Boxing Championships, from October 2-18.
Ross Solly for Boxing Australia