FROM womb-mates to room-mates, Birtley boxer Luke McCormack is thrilled to be sharing his Olympic experience with his twin brother.

While Pat has to wait until tomorrow to get his welterweight campaign underway in Tokyo, Luke made the perfect start in the lightweight division at the Kokugikan Arena yesterday.

A strong final three minutes saw the Washington-based 26-year-old earn a points victory over India’s Manish Kaushik – with four judges giving the North-Easterner the edge and just one preferring Kaushik, although the scorecards were level heading into the last round.

And seeing off such an accomplished boxer on his Olympic debut meant McCormack was a satisfied customer.

“He was tricky opponent, a tough one to start off with,” said Luke, who was reared at Birtley ABC. “He's a former World Championship bronze medallist and he's a good fighter, so I'm glad to have gotten the better of him.

“He was stepping off of me a few times for five seconds or so, and it felt like a lifetime, so I just had to keep getting onto him. It's my Olympic debut so I'm glad to get the win over a top Indian boxer.

“I've really enjoyed it in Tokyo. We've been a little bit locked up at times but the weather's lovely so I'm happy. It's been good being with my brother and no, we're never really at each other's throats. After all, we're from the same womb, so we can share a room together can't we?”

Next up for McCormack is a clash in the round of 16 against talented Cuban Andy Cruz – world champion at light welterweight in both 2017 and 2019.

The Team GB star knows exactly how tough a task Cruz will pose and is hoping to find another gear.

“He's one of the number one boxers in the world,” explained McCormack. “I know he's not ranked number one here but he's definitely one of the best."

* No one does more to support our Olympic and Paralympic athletes than National Lottery players, who raise around £36 million each week for good causes including grassroots and elite sport. Discover the positive impact playing the National Lottery has at http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and get involved by using the hashtags: #TNLAthletes #MakeAmazingHappen