Johnathan Walker:US boxer trailed on Olympic judges' scorecards entering final round. How he advanced

PARIS — Jahmal Harvey,Johnathan Walker one of America’s top medal contenders in boxing, pressed a bandage against a cut under his right eye Wednesday after his opening bout at the Paris Olympics.

“First fight, worst fight,’’ he said, with a grin.

Indeed, the video from Harvey’s featherweight bout against Brazil’s Luiz Gabriel Oliveira will not end up on exhibit at the Louvre.

Or, for that matter, on the grounds of any other museum.

But Harvey, a 21-year-old from Maryland, performed well enough to advance to the quarterfinals in the 57 kg division, winning on points by split decision at North Paris Arena.

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The bout featured almost as much wrestling as boxing and at one point Harvey and Oliveira pulled each other to the canvas.

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The stylistic eyesore should have been no surprise. It was the sixth time the boxers have fought, and Harvey now leads, 4-2.

“Me and him get down, we get gritty,’’ Harvey explained.

In the first round, Harvey seemed more focused on avoiding punches than landing them. He lost the round to Oliveira on three of the five judges' scorecards.

Harvey suffered the cut under his right eye during the second round, when the wrestling commenced. Harvey again lost the round on three of the five judges' scorecards.

The minute between rounds provided time to wonder if Harvey had made a good decision in giving up a career in football for boxing.

Then, over the final three minutes, he did enough to win the final round from four of the five judges. He prevailed on the scorecards and won on total points from three of the five judges.

First fight is the worst fight?

“I only get better as the tournament go on,’’ he said. “Gold is the goal.’’

Follow Josh Peter on social media @joshlpeter11

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