Olympic boxing: Tears of pride, not sadness, as Aidan Walsh bows out of Paris Games

When it came to his debut fight in Paris, Walsh faced not only Traoré but also the raucous home crowd, who cheered every punch.

Walsh won a cagey first round – in which both fighters were reminded to engage – but Traore fed off the energy at the North Paris Arena.

The French fighter responded in the second round and finally took the title as the stands reverberated with noise and clamor.

After the result was declared, Walsh gracefully lifted his opponent’s arm into the air and smiled in the ring as he shook hands with the coaches and referee.

And then came the excitement.

“After the qualifiers, I didn’t have the chance to enjoy it because there was a lot of pressure and expectation.

“Now the emotions are coming out because qualifying was very, very difficult. Thailand was one of the most difficult experiences of my life.

“Having six fights in a week, you can’t show your emotions.”

Walsh admits he doesn’t know what’s next for him in his boxing journey. It’s still very early, it’s still very raw.

“I’m studying for my Masters at the moment and I’m doing a few other things. I’m enjoying competing but I’ll weigh up my options.

“I’m doing well, the question is whether I had the same love as I had when I was 12 or 13. At the moment I’m enjoying it, but I have to ask myself a lot of questions.

“I’m only 27, so I can take another two years and come back. Who knows?”