Canada's Wyatt Sanford claims Olympic bronze after losing boxing semifinal by split decision

Wyatt Sanford became Canada's first Olympic boxing medallist in 28 years on Sunday following a semifinal loss to France's Sofiane Oumiha in the men's 63.5-kilogram weight class.

The 25-year-old from Kennetcook, N.S., lost 4-1 on points, but he was assured a medal entering the bout as both semifinal losers receive bronze.

Despite moments of success with his left hook and a strong showing in the second and third rounds, Sanford was ultimately unable to overcome the three-time lightweight world champion at North Paris Arena.

"I feel great. I didn't get the result I wanted, but he is one hell of a fighter, a great boxer," Sanford said.

WATCH | Sanford claims Canada's 1st Olympic boxing medal in 28 years:

Oumiha, who is the taller and longer fighter, fought off his back foot while using his speed to capitalize on openings against the Canadian southpaw in the first round. All five judges scored the round for the 29-year-old Frenchman.

But Sanford continued coming forward and landing hard shots, making it a close fight down the stretch. Two of the judges gave the second round to Sanford, while four of them gave him the nod in the third and final round.

Four judges scored the fight 29-28 in Oumiha's favour, while the other had Sanford winning by the same score.

"I'm super happy with the performance, I just didn't get the outcome. That's just the way it goes," Sanford said. "It took me a bit too long to get used to his speed as he is super fast. I knew I was down after the first round, but then I usually am."

David Defiagbon won Canada's last Olympic medal in the sport with heavyweight silver at the 1996 Atlanta Games, while Lennox Lewis was the last Canadian to capture gold with the super-heavyweight title in 1988 in Seoul.