PAT McCormack’s hopes of an Olympic medal were dashed on Sunday evening, but the light welterweight insists his Rio adventure has shown him that the future is bright.

After beating Kazakhstan’s Ablaikhan Zhussupov in his opening bout on Thursday, McCormack got back into the Olympic ring with his sights set on a spot in the quarter-finals.

But standing in his way was number two seed and World Championships silver medallist Yasnier Toledo of Cuba.

McCormack started the fight slowly and this is what ultimately cost him as he lost on a split decision despite all three judges awarding him the third and final round.

And despite bemoaning his lack of intensity at the first bell, McCormack believes he can travel home with his head held high and with some new-found confidence.

“I am absolutely gutted,” the 21-year-old said. “I got a terrible draw as I had the Kazakh first and then the Cuban next up.

“I beat the Kazakh and then had a very close fight with the Cuban but never got the decision, it is what it is.

“I think I started a bit too slow and I should have put it on him from the first bell, but I didn’t so it is what it is.

“I know I can mix it with the best now and I only got beaten on a split decision against a boxer who I think is the best in the world.

“I know I am mixing it with the best and I know that I will be one of the best in a couple more years when I have a bit more experience.”

Immediately after McCormack’s defeat his teammate Joshua Buatsi advanced to the light heavyweight semi-finals to guarantee Team GB at least one boxing medal from Rio 2016.

As for McCormack, his maiden Olympic Games are now over and he refused to be drawn into what the future holds for him.

“I don’t really now what I will do next at the minute,” he added.

“I have been training hard since January so I will have a little rest now and come back in a couple of weeks and see what’s happening then.”

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