ATHENS, Aug. 27, 2004 (Xinhuanet) -- Yudel Johnson Cedeno set a second Cuban victory here on Friday, beating Boris Georgiev of Bulgaria 13-9 to reach final of the light welter weight (64kg) in the Athens Olympic boxing tournament.

    "Georgiev, who is taller than me, proved to be a strong opponent, but I was better prepared technically," said Cedeno.

    The more fancied Cuban was forced to have his hands full against the 20-year-old Bulgarian, tied 2-2 in both second and fourth rounds, though Georgiev had suffered a pain in his right hand and could not punch with the power he need.

    Georgiev, who has been one of the stand-out boxers of the Olympic tournament, failed to show his brilliant form with quick hands, good footwork and excellent ringcraft in all his former bouts here against Cedeno due to the injury.

    The Bulgarian, however, settled for a bronze medal with the semi-final defeat.