BIRTLEY boxer Pat McCormack has won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics after losing in the men's welterweight Olympic final to Cuban Roniel Iglesias. 

The judges scored a unanimous decision in favour of Iglesias after three rounds.

It was cagey opening two minutes in the first round but things opened up between the pair as McCormack made good use of his right hand while Iglesias had a late flurry in the very closing stages. 

Iglesias picked up where he left off in the the second round as McCormack was caught and was sent to the canvas. However, the officials ruled it to be a slip as the Cuban went on to take the judges score in the second.

McCormack was trailing going into the third round and need a knockout to win but Iglesias showed his experience and counted down the minutes. The Cuban went on to win another gold medal after winning gold in London 2012 in the light welterweight division.

It was always going to be a tricky tie for McCormack who showed endeavour and determination to stay in the tie but he adds to Great Britain's tally of 16 medals at the Tokyo Olympics. 

Pat has declard his desire to entire the professional ranks and this runs of bouts would definitely increase his chance forging a career in the porfessional ranks of boxing. 

Graeme Rutherford, head coach of Birtley Boxing Club, who has trained the twins Pat and Luke McCormack since they were 11-years-old said: "I was a bit disappointed, there were two close rounds in it, which could have gone either way. 

"Sometimes that's just the way it goes in boxing. It was a tight fight.

"Pat gave it everything. He boxed well. He's coming back with a medal.

"I would have preferred him to be an Olympic champion, but sometimes there is nothing you can do about it. The most important thing is he gave everything in the ring. You couldn't ask for any more."

He added: "I am pleased for Pat. It is going to bode well for his future."