CARDIGAN boxer Ben Rees-Davies has struck bronze at an elite international event in Germany featuring many competitors who have qualified for this summer's Rio Olympics.

Representing the Army in the Eindhoven Box Cup, the 23-year-old light-welterweight reached the semi-finals by beating the Italian number one on a unanimous decision.

The next day Rees-Davies – a lance corporal in the Royal Welsh Regiment - drew the hot favourite: Russian number one Arman Zakaryan, the European champion of 2015 and an Olympic qualifier, who has had 179 bouts.

“I knew I was up against it and I was sure to have my hardest test in my boxing career, but I went into the ring with no pressure and the attitude of 'I have nothing to lose and all to gain',” Rees-Davies said.

“The first round went very well, using my hit and move tactics and not letting the Russian set his feet and land shots on me.

“The second and third rounds were similar but towards the end of the bout I found it very difficult to land my shots on the Russian as his hand-speed and footwork were world class.

“After a hard-fought contest I lost on a points decision.

“The Russian then went on to win gold the next day by knocking his opponent out in the second round and received the boxer of the tournament award.

“I was more than happy with my performances throughout the tournament and proud to have come home with a bronze medal. My coaches and fellow team members are over the moon.

“Out of the six boxers we entered the Army took home one gold, one silver and two bronze – a weekend to remember.”