More heartbreak for France as Dusmatov beats Bennama

Rio Olympics champion Hasanboy Dusmatov claimed the men's flyweight boxing final by unanimous decision at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, beating Billal Bennama - a day after fellow Frenchman Sofiane Oumiha's loss in the lightweight final.

Junior Alcantara of the Dominican Republic and Cape Verde's David de Pina took bronze after their semifinal defeats.

French fans flooded into Court Philippe Chatrier to support Bennama and loudly shouted "allez les bleus" ahead of the bout, while booing Dusmatov on his entry.

The pair also faced off in the men's flyweight final at last year's world championships in Tashkent, which Bennama lost after being dropped to the canvas in the first round when he was struck with a firm right hand.

European Games champion Bennama adopted a more cautious approach this time around, which appeared to be working in his favour early on until Dusmatov landed two big left hands to take the first round 3-2.

Dusmatov did not let up in the second round and despite facing a taller opponent, connected with a few overhand left hands to also take the second.

With his gold medal hopes evaporating in front of his eyes, Bennama went all out in the final round and breathed some life back into a deflated crowd, but Dusmatov showed his experience by keeping out of range and letting fly with stinging counters to win his second Olympic gold.

Bennama said he did not view his silver medal as a disappointment.

"An indescribable atmosphere that helped me to go beyond my limits and I'm proud that I fought for them and to bring a beautiful silver medal for them. I'm satisfied with the work I've done," Bennama told France TV.

"I want to come back to go get this beautiful gold medal because I know what it means, so I think I'll be part of the party in Los Angeles."

Bennama had been looking to become the seventh French boxer to win an Olympic gold medal after Paul Fritsch in 1920, Jean Despeaux and Roger Michelot in 1936, Brahim Asloum (2000), Estelle Mossely and Tony Yoka (2016).