Luke McCormack shares classy message to opponent, fans and family after Olympic exit in Tokyo

The 26-year-old was defeated by Cuban gold medal hope Andy Cruz via a unanimous decision in the last 16 of the men’s lightweight division.

Cruz will now advance to the last eight of the competition with much talk surrounding a potential gold medal bout against the American Keyshawn Davis should they both progress.

Speaking to the BBC following the loss, however, Luke McCormack shared a classy message.

He said: “It was a tricky opponent. I didn’t really know what he was doing so I was trying to wait for him to come in but he’s probably one of the best kids I’ve been in with.

“Good luck to him and I hope he goes all the way.

But what does the future hold for the 26-year-old Washington-born puncher?

He said” “That’s my last amateur fight there.

"I'm ready to go professional now. I waited a little bit too long to turn turnover because of the lockdown and that but now I’m ready to get the big bucks.”

“He [Cruz] will be an amateur for the rest of his life him. He’s a really, really top amateur.”

Luke McCormack’s twin brother Pat McCormack is guaranteed a medal in the men’s welterweight division and has a chance at silver and gold next week.

“As long as my mam and dad are proud that’s all I’m bothered about, Luke McCormack added. “And hopefully he [Pat McCormack] goes on to win the gold to keep the family pride flying.”

Asked if he had a message for those back home, Luke McCormack said: “I’m wounded.”

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