BOXER Billy Ward, who was born in Bundaberg, was outclassed in his Olympic debut overnight by Cuban Yosbany Veitia Soto, who won the bout 26-4.

But Ward, 19, who went to school in Miriam Vale and competes in the light flyweight division, has treated the loss as a big learning experience.

Australian boxing program co-ordinator Ben Harvey said Ward was outgunned by the experienced Cuban.

"I thought Billy showed a lot of heart," Harvey said.

"He came back again and again."

Bob Butler, a coach at the Bundaberg Boxing Club for 20 years, said Ward still had a solid future, with boxers usually peaking between 18 and 26 years of age.

"He has another Olympics in him if he wants to keep at it," Butler said.

"He's a real young gentleman too."

The Queenslander was gracious in defeat.

"He (Veitia Soto) was very good. I have to give him credit," Ward told the ABC.

"He has the skills to win a medal."

Ward said he was happy, and his coach was proud.

"It was by far the hardest fight I have had," he said.

"This is a massive learning experience."