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07/04/2008
Langley gets team off to a great start in Athens
Darran Langley, England/Great Britain defeated Alfonso Pinto, Italy, 19 - 15
Rd 1; 6 -5 Rd 2 14 - 7; Rd 3 16 - 11; Rd 4 19 - 15
48 kg "Womble" Darran Langley used his experience to out-fox two time European silver medalist, Italian southpaw, Alfonso Pinto 19 - 15 , getting England and Great Britain off to a winning start in Athens.
Langley, a postman from Croydon, the mascot for Wimbledon AFC and reigning Commonwealth Gold Medalist, has spent the last two years dogged by injury. So much so that he lost his place in the team to Ellesmere Port's Paul Butler.
Butler boxed excellently in the last Olympic qualifier in Pescara, Italy, but the selectors thought that Langley's experience could be a decisive factor in this the final chance for Olympic qualification. It was certainly experience that saw Darran to victory against the Italian, Pinto, the 5th rated light flyweight in the world.
Langley looked to cautiously press forward from the opening bell and was not ruffled when he fell one point behind. A couple of sharp counters from Darran surprised the Italian causing Pinto to change tactics and to rush Langley. Fast hands and feints from both boxers saw the first round end 6 - 5 to Langley.
Darran had his opponent's measure in the 2nd round, always having an answer to whatever the Italian tried. A fast right back hand lead followed by a left were particularly pleasing and even a really good body shot from Pinto did not upset the "Womble" 14 - 7 at the end of the second meant Pinto would have to come up with something special to rescue his reputation and to advance in this tournament.
Protecting his lead and testing his match fitness were the order of the day for Darran in the third round. Retreating and changing angles to frustrate Pinto saw the round end with Langley 16 - 11 up
Concentration and experience enabled Darran to protect his lead and win with a score of 19 - 11.
Langley faces Spain's tricky Jose Nieve in his next contest and must progress to the final of this tournament if he is to qualify for Beijing.
Langley said he "Felt good about being selected and just felt that my luck had changed at long last. I've sparred with the Italian quit often and knew how difficult it was going to be, but thought I had the style to beat him. I should get better with each contest as injury has stopped me from boxing. I was pleased with my fitness, thanks to UK Sport lottery funding for the support"
Terry Edwards, GB coach said: "Little legs has got us off to a good start, experience was key in this bout, the Italian was a serious contender for gold here"