Team GB's Joe Joyce defeated by France's Tony Yoka in super-heavyweight boxing final

Joe Joyce of Great Britain was denied an Olympic gold medal by France's Tony Yoka in the final of the men's super-heavyweight boxing tournament. The 30-year-old fighter produced a spirited display against the current world champion, but ultimately lost via a split decision.

Joyce started the bout on the front foot and threw considerably more punches in the opening round than his French opponent, who tried to keep the fight at a distance. Yoka, however, landed the more eye-catching shots and was awarded the opening session by two of the three judges.

The second round followed a similar pattern, with Yoko adopting a more considered approached to his work, coming in behind his jab when he could. Joyce, on the other hand, stalked his opponent around the ring and looked to throw punches in bunches. But again, the round was awarded to the Frenchman - much to the frustration of the British corner.

Joyce emerged for the third and final round knowing he needed a stoppage to win the gold medal. And while the Brit did enough to pinch the round on the judges' cards, he could not claim the victory.

"It was the last medal for the Olympic Games and I thought the gold was mine so I will just have to watch it back and see where it went wrong," Joyce subsequently told the BBC. "My coach let me know I was down but I was landing shots all of the last round.

"I thought all throughout I was throwing punches, going through his guard and it was just the odd shot he nicked it. I gave it my all, got the training right. I am just disappointed. Silver isn't that bad, I expected the gold but it wasn't to be."

The result of the gold medal bout means Team GB will leave Rio with a tally of 27 gold, 23 silver and 17 bronze medals.