Day five at the XIV AIBA World Championships. by Tom Walker Oct 29th 2007

51kg Khalid Yafai (ENG) lost to Violito Payla (PHI) 15-29. Age and senior experience were the key factors in this contest. Yafai, 18, is the former world cadet champion, U17, and this is only his second senior international tournament. Whilst he appeared to be stronger than his very experienced, southpaw opponent, he did not have quite the guile required to cut the Filipino off. Payla was able to circle outside Yafai's left lead, in traditional southpaw style, scoring with quick backhand counters against the ever pressing Yafai. A disappointed Khalid had nothing to say as he headed to the dressing room. Terry Edwards, Great Britain Head Coach, said, “It's early days for Khalid, we all know what a talent he is and how quickly he learns and adapts. There is much more to come from him, mark my words.” Perhaps the margin of victory was somewhat exaggerated by judges familiar with the touch and move style of the Filipino, but Payla was a worthy victor and young Kal is a talent to watch. +91kg David Price (ENG) bt Mohamed Samoudi (FRA) RSC2 24-year-old Commonwealth super-heavyweight gold medallist David Price (Salisbury ABC, Liverpool) meant business as he came out forcefully from his corner unloading solid straight left and right hands against previous victim Mohamed Samoudi (FRA). Whilst Samoudi was, and is, a tough customer, Price's firepower and variety of shot were too much for the Frenchman to handle. Price lead at the end of the first round 7:2. Samoudi decided he had to trade with David and match power with power. Both men landed simultaneously with cracking shots but Price's right uppercut was the superior punch and left Samoudi on the canvas. The brave Frenchman rose and immediately pressed forward after the count. Price timed a near perfect long right cross to stagger the Frenchman again. The referee applied a standing eight count but coach Dominique Nato in the French corner was sensible and merciful and correctly threw in the towel with 58 seconds remaining of the second round and Price in the lead by 11:4.  The winner said, “I feel good. Really strong. I know I am hitting hard.” Coach Edwards said, “Tremendous. Quality shots. Very accurate punching and a dominant performance against a dangerous opponent.” Price's third bout (last 16) is on the evening of Wednesday 31st October against Primislav Dimovski (MKD). For heavyweights and super heavyweights Olympic qualification is achieved by reaching the last four. For all other weights it is the last eight. Saturday 27th 51kg Khalid Yafai (ENG) lost to Violito Payla (PHI) 15:29 +91kg David Price (ENG) bt Mohamed Samoudi (FRA) RSC2 Sunday 28th 48kg Mo Nasir (WAL) v Harry Tanamor (PHI) 48kg Darran Langley (ENG) v Zviad Khaduri (GEO) 60kg Frankie Gavin (ENG) v Merey Akshalov (KAZ) 81kg Tony Jeffries (ENG) v Chris Downs (USA) Monday 29th – Rest Day Tuesday 30th 54kg Joe Murray (ENG) v Bruno Julie (MRI) 64kg Bradley Saunders (ENG) v Javier Molina (USA) 91kg Stephen Simmons (SCO) v Milorad Gajovic (MNE)

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