OLYMPIC GAMES: Michael Conlan stays on track with victory over Armenian rival

The result means Conlan is through to the last eight of his weight division after winning 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 on the scorecards.

The Belfast lad looked composed and relaxed as he made his debut at the Games, but he was slightly disappointed with his showing.

“It was one of my worst performances in recent times, but there was lots of pressure because this is the Olympic Games.

“Everyone back home was saying ‘it is up to me and Katie Taylor.’ That is a bit of added pressure today and that added nerves.

“I just did not want to lose and maybe the energy was sucked out of my legs by being nervous.

“And I think that took away from my performance a little bit.

“I got dragged into a war when I could have easily out-boxed him.

“But people are here to win and they will do anything to achieve that, so I am just delighted with the victory.”

Conlan along with Katie Taylor are the only two Irish boxers left in the Games and the Belfast fighter says he has no problem with that position.

“I enjoy this and I thrive on the pressure, but there was more pressure because of what has happened to the rest of the boxers in the team.

“So I had to step-up today and I think I did that.”