Roo March-Mullaney (Wicker Camp) Team GB fought Turkish fighter Muhammed Ali Gaygisiz in the (16-17yr -67kg).
Roo has only just turned 16yrs in February so is at the bottom end of this category and he weighed in 65.3kg so quite a bit under the max weight. Muhammed was also a good 4″ taller than Roo and just looked more mature physically.
From the very first round and throughout the fight Roo showed excellent ringcraft moving around the ring making his opponent miss and countered well with good kicks and punches but unfortunately only managed single attacks so didn’t quite score enough.
Muhammed fought the right fight cutting Roo off whenever he could, scoring with his hands and engaged in the clinch where he used his big height advantage. He leaned over Roo and kept pulling his head down looking for the knee to the head constantly, fortunately not landing one!!. Roo showed courage and resilience and kept to his style which did frustrate Muhammed towards the end but Roo just didn’t do enough.
Muhammed won the fight predominantly in the clinch but a good performance from Roo given his first IFMA event and good enough to secure a bronze medal🥉.
Here’s the link…….Roo was on #15
https://www.youtube.com/live/8mSOPHzyatY?feature=share
A massive learning curve which both fighters will only grow from. We didn’t come with any expectations and certainly not for any outcome only the valuable experience they have gained and to be part of a great team. The event had nearly 30 countries competing and to give you an idea of the standard Russia had 120 athletes alone with Turkey the hosts almost the same. Most of these athletes have been competing for years so to just be here is an achievement.
Thank you to GB team officials Tommy Collins, Steve Dean, Yaseen Mohammed and Bilaal Remassey and all the GB fighters and parents for their support. The team secured 🥉🥉🥉🥉🥈🥇😊.
Once again thank you to everyone at Wicker Camp for your support, they wouldn’t be here without it.
We have the medal ceremony tomorrow then back home Wednesday. We’ve all missed the gym and can’t wait to get back home.
