Royal Marine George Crotty loses final bout at World Boxing Cup in Sheffield

Royal Marine Commando George Crotty's road to the 2024 Olympics has got slightly harder after he lost his light-heavyweight final bout at the World Boxing Cup: GB Open in Sheffield.

Marine Crotty took on GB teammate Ramtin Musah and despite a high tempo and intense bout from Mne Crotty in the first round, Musah came back to edge out Mne Crotty to win by a 4:1 split decision.

Speaking to GB Boxing after his win, Musah praised his "very tricky" teammate after a hard-fought bout where there was little to separate the two.

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He said: "It feels amazing, I’m over the moon, I’m buzzing. Just everything!

"All props to George - he is a very tricky customer. I was down in the first round, pulled it back and then kept on digging deep and came out with the win."

The results of the World Boxing Cup: GB Open in Sheffield are expected to have a bearing on selection for Team GB's boxers for the upcoming Olympic qualifier in Milan in March, where spots for Paris 2024 are up for grabs.

GB performance director Rob McCracken added: "This event has showcased some of the best in Olympic boxing for Sheffield to enjoy and ultimately for the GB Boxers to benefit from a variety of styles and top international competition.

"That is what it is all about, especially at the start of an Olympic year with Paris just over six months away."