Lowestoft fighter Anthony Ogogo's London Olympic gold challenge is over after defeat to Brazilian world number three Esquiva Falcao Florentino at Excel Arena on Friday afternoon.

The 23-year-old Triple A ABC boxer, who secured a guaranteed bronze medal after his men's middleweight quarter-final victory over Stefan Hartel on Monday night, looked a little leggy as Falcao's power and awkward nature left little scoring room for Ogogo in his Olympic semi-final.

In the end, Falcao did not lose a round on his way to a 16-9 triumph – and he will now fight Japanese number two seed Ryota Murata in Saturday night's final.

But no one can take away the bronze Ogogo more than deserved given the obstacles in his way during the build-up to London 2012 – and his thrilling defeat of world number on Ievgen Khytrov in the last 16.

Fellow losing semi-finalist Abbos Atoev of Uzbekistan also leaves the London Olympics with a bronze medal.

'I'm devastated,' admitted Ogogo. 'I'm really sad about it. He is a brilliant fighter and I'm going to remain humble and gracious. He was a bit awkward really.

'Beating Hartel took a lot out of me. I think I also sapped my strength from the journey to see my mum in hospital. I want to be happy for him but I've got to lick my wounds.

'It was a tough fight. I gave it my best and I have still got a bronze medal. It has taken a lot out of me but I can't use that as an excuse. He is a good fighter and I didn't turn up.

'I'm just really proud to represent my country. It just wasn't my time this time. Everyone at home should be so proud of the support.

'In a few months time I might be happy, but I'm not at the moment. Getting to the Olympics in the first place was an ordeal for me and then I had a tough draw.

'But I gave it my all. No one can fault my effort.'

Team GB boxing coach Dave Alloway added: 'The better man won on the day. He tried his best to pull it back but, no doubt about it, the better man took the decision.'