Boxing: Blackbourn reaches commonwealth semis

Hutt Valley welterweight Joe Blackbourn reached the semifinals at the Commonwealth boxing championships with a points victory in Glasgow today.

Blackbourn made a slow start against Sri Lankan Indika Kumara and was one point down at the halfway mark in the quarterfinal, before storming home to take a points decision 15-8.

His path to the final is blocked by South African Bongani Mwalase who was impressive in his quarterfinal victory.

The pair will meet early on Saturday (NZT).

Heavyweight Lance Bryant couldn't progress from his quarterfinal against Irishman Cahill McMonagle.

His taller opponent proved a difficult target for Bryant, with the Irishman taking a 23-10 points decision.

Tomorrow is a rest day before Blackbourn and light heavyweight Soulan Pownceby contest the semifinals on Saturday.

Pownceby reached the semifinals courtesy of a quarterfinal draw.

- NZPA