British welterweight Billy Joe Saunders and light-welterweight Bradley Saunders helped put the disappointment of losing Frankie Gavin from Team GB behind them as they both emerged victorious in their first fight of the Olympics.

Billy Joe was a very convincing winner over Turkey’s Adem Kilicci. The youngest member of the British boxing team won 14-3 against Kilicci – who is ranked as the world No 3 – and showed that he has what it takes to win a medal this summer. At just 18-years-old, Billy Joe showed excellent counter-punches throughout the fight and was constantly on top of his Turkish opponent. It was a fantastic and encouraging display.

As for Bradley Saunders, well, he was even more destructive in his victory over Ghana’s Samuel Kotey. The 22-year-old dealt two thunderous body shots to his opponent to win the fight in the first round. This came after a slow start from Saunders who allowed Kotey to take and early points lead. However, the two body blows were enough to earn him victory to prolong his Olympic dream.

Of the two fights, it was probably Billy Joe’s performance that caught my eye the most. To beat a world bronze medallist so convincingly at the tender age of 18 is very, very impressive. Team GB coach Terry Edwards was full of praise for the youngster, saying that it was a ‘very mature performance’ from Billy Joe who will fight Cuba’s Carlos Banteaux Suarez in the second round.

Everyone knows how strong the Cubans are in amateur boxing, so this will be a tough test for the young British boxer. However, after watching him in the first round, I certainly won’t hesitate before sticking some of my boxing betting money on him progressing to the third round. He could even emerge as an unlikely medal contender for Great Britain and potentially fill the void left by star of the team – Frankie Gavin.

The boxing schedule continues this week with Team GB captain, David Price – who is expected to secure a medal – in action in the super-heavyweight division on Wednesday. I will be reflecting on his fight during my next piece for Talk Boxing.

Written by Thomas Rooney – Freelance Sports Journalist