DESPITE missing out on gold, friends of adopted “Pill boy” Fred Evans described him as a “hero” as they spoke of their pride in his achievements.

After battling his way into the Olympic welterweight final, Mr Evans, 21, from St Mellons, had to settle for silver after losing to classy Kazakhstani Serik Sapiyev.

At the Picton Arms, a stone’s throw from the St Joseph’s boxing club where he trains, locals gathered, with cries of ‘Come on Freddie boy’ ringing out throughout the three-round contest.

A20-strong group, had travelled up to watch the fight in London, including Commonwealth Games gold medalist Sean McGoldrick who trains with Mr Evans.

Sheila Gill, who runs the Picton and Irish Club opposite said: “They are great friends and Sean will be disappointed as he thought another gold medal would be coming home to Newport.”

But she praised Mr Evans’ efforts, calling him a “hero and a gentleman”. She added: “We see him every day when he goes training and he always says hello and speaks to everyone.

“He would have been thinking of his mother and sister who he lost in a car crash.

And he did everyone proud.”

Vinton Royal attends St Joseph’s boxing club. He said: “He’s a Pill boy like us and a very hard-working man who trains hard, so he deserves anything he gets.

He did his best today.”

Phil Lewis, 60, said: “He’s still a baby and will do very well soon. But, he did his best and a silver medal is still something brilliant to come back to Wales.”

Lee Smolnik said: “It’s a silver medal, job done. So well done to Fred.”

Following the fight, Fred Evans told BBC reporters: “I’ve had five hard fights and have no excuses, he was a bit sharper on the day.

“I’ve had a great tournament, I beat the world number one from Ukraine. I’m only 21 and I’m one of the youngest seniors here. I’m over the moon really that I got to the final.”