#Glasgow2014: Samardali Through to Quarter Final

Western Australian Jordan Samardali has qualified for the quarter finals of the men’s light heavyweight after winning a split decision bout with Samoa’s Afaese Fata Kalepi in the round of 32.

The 20 year-old won on a split decision from the judges’ card, with a 28-29, 29-28, 29-28 decision falling in favour of the West Australian fighting out of the blue corner.

Samardali appeared to win the first round, but lost the second to Fata Kalepi in what was a scrappy bout.

The Commonwealth debutant had a distinct height and reach advantage over the Samoan and used this to pick his moments to attack, landing blows from distance, avoiding close-in engagements that suited his competitor.

Although there wasn’t a definitive round from either fighter, two of the three judges determined that Samardali had done enough to warrant qualification through to the quarter finals, which will be contested on July 29 from 2.10 am Perth time (July 30).

Samardali will fight Mauritian Kennedy St Pierre who won his round of 32 bout with a unanimous decision.