Four things we learnt from Day 5 of Boxing at the Olympics
Photo Credit: Richard Pelham via Getty Images

As we progress quickly through the early rounds, we move ever closer to seeing medals captured in Boxing.

With the number of fighters remaining diminishing each day, those still standing can allow themselves to dream, their journeys continuing into the month of August.

Another all-important day comes to a close following a feast of thrilling contests - here are four of the key talking points from Wednesday.

  • Britain have a winner

Lewis Richarson BT Vakhid Abbasov WP [3-2]

In the 71kg Men's Light Middleweight division, Team GB finally have their winner, six British fighters have taken part in Paris, but with a freak run of poor results: none of the five initial fighters had won.

The first round was well managed by Richardson, losing the centre of the ring early on but dictating the range with superior reach and clear height advantage.

Richardson’s jab troubled the Serbian, putting him slightly off balance. Abbasov persisted with his favoured right hook but failed to leave anything meaningful on the Brit.

Lewis Richardson made a point in claiming the centre of the ring early in the second round, being more proactive; Richardson made life difficult for his opponent. a key double hook was taken by Abbasov but acted quickly to nip back with a dangerous jab.

The British fighter saw out the middle round with a frightening short left overhand onto the onrushing Serbian.

A key final round began with the Essex man reestablishing his jab and finding his opponent's unguarded face.

Richardson withheld Abbasov in the bout’s final minute, keeping out of trouble after controlling the first two rounds, raising his hand as the final bell sounded.

A close battle was decided on split decision; sealing the final round was enough to retrieve some much-needed Team GB glory.

  • Atheyna Bylon charges on in third games

Atheyna Bylon BT Valentina Khalzova WP [4-1]

Wednesday night's Women’s 75kg Middleweight segment was kicked off with Panama’s Atheyna Bylon taking on Valentina Khalzova of Kazakhstan. Both Women were looking to reach an elusive final eight and inch closer to Olympic glory.

35-year-old Southpaw Atheyna Bylon kicked off the bout at her third Olympics by fending off an eager, pressing Khazlova, but Bylon’s reach was handy in controlling her opponent in the opening round.

A scrappy first round suited the style of Khalova better, managing to leave more on the Panamanian in the clinch.

Taking control in the final round, Bylon’s signature thunderous strikes were finally piled on in her preferred range. Just as quickly as the Panamanian had heard the first bell, the final had sounded; thumping her gloves together with the end of the fight signalled.

By split decision, Bylon had taken the scorecard; ecstatic with her quarter-final reality the fighter jumped wildly around the ring, even lifting her opponent in joy during a friendly embrace.

  • Nishant Dev edges thriller

Nishant Dev BT Tenorio Rodriguez WP [3-2]

Elsewhere in the 71kg Men's Light Middleweight tournament, Tenorio Rodriguez represented Ecuador in taking on Indian Nishant Dev.

The Ecuadorian, who entered the tournament seeded, defined the opening round: swinging overhand punches out of the gate but struggled to land one. Dev replied by displaying a strong left hand, bounding forward.

Rodriguez began to push Dev back towards the ropes late on in the first, his striking overhand still slinging towards the Indian.

Dev had a little more to say at the opening of the second round, letting his hands go, not allowing himself to be pressured as far back as the ropes. Remaining the more accurate, Dev continued to plant more onto the chin of Rodriguez - before the inevitable forthcoming clinch.

The third saw Rodriguez continue to load onto Dev like a Dog off it’s leash, the Indian succumbing to the habits of the first round - being continually bullied into a clinch as the South American pounded forwards.

However, Dev remained productive with his work in the clinch, showcasing himself as the more dominant when the two fighters came together.

At the final bell, it was enough for the man from Karna to progress, the judges preferring Nishant Dev via split decision: 3-2.

  • Ibanez Diaz sweeps Abduraimov

Ibanez Diaz BT Aider Abduraimov WP [5-0]

The Men's 57kg Featherweight category showcased Bulgarian Ibanez Diaz's contest against Aider Abduraimov in Wednesday's evening session.

From the outset Diaz had the better of the two-time Ukranian champion; a nation that a rich boxing history in the Games through the likes of legends: Usyk and Klitschko.

Finally coming out in the third, it was too late for Abduraimov who was already firmly down on the scorecards, Diaz taking the contest with a 5-0 thumping; as much of a cricket score as it can get in a three-round bout.

Ibanez will move on swiftly to the upcoming challenge of Japanese fighter Shudai Harda in the last eight. An intriguing fight penned in for Saturday night. The winner is almost able to put one hand on an iconic Olympic medal.