ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- American light-heavyweight Andre Ward advanced to the Olympic quarterfinals Thursday with a one-sided decision over Clemente Russo of Italy.
Two USA fighters fell out of medal contention, however.
In the welterweight class, Vanes Martirosyan was overwhelmed by Cuban Lorenzo Aragon Armenteros, 45-20.
And in the light-welterweight division, Rock Allen fell behind by 14 points after two rounds and lost to Boris Georgiev of Bulgaria, 30-10.
Thursday's winners moved to within one victory of clinching at least a bronze medal.
Ward defeated Russo, 17-0, but finds powerful Russian Evgeny Makarenko in his path. Makarenko blasted Cuban Pablo Suarez, 30-18.
Having had a bye past the first round, Ward was making his first Olympic appearance.
"I did not see the Makarenko bout," Ward said, "but I know he is a very good boxer. I am determined to win the gold medal."
Martirosyan became the second American boxer to fall in the Olympics. He was never in his bout with the Cuba.
"He was the better fighter," Martirosyan said. "I hope he gets the gold."
