Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008

By ED ODEVEN

BEIJING — Turkey's Yakup Kilic outpointed Satoshi Shimizu 12-9 in a first-round featherweight (58 kg) match at Beijing Workers' Gymnasium on Friday.

Shimizu, 22, placed 33rd at the 2007 World Boxing Championships in Chicago.

When his bout was finished, Shimizu disputed the result that appeared on the scoreboard.

"My competitor was not so strong," he said. "I let myself down. I think I was more powerful. I also think I scored more points."

Kilic presented a different perspective after stepping out of the ring.

"I am very happy," he said. "I have been ill for three days, but our team doctors worked hard to allow me to start the match. I want a medal so much."

Thailand's Manus Boonjumnong defeated Masatsugu Kawachi 8-1 in first-round action in the light welterweight division (64 kg) on Thursday evening.

Japan has no other boxers remaining in competition in Beijing. None competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics.

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