Sport

Irish boxing write to world boxing body expressing concerns at judging at Olympics in Rio

 Michael Conlan makes his feelings clear after controversial defeat to Vladimir Nikitin of Russia at the Rio Olympic Games
 Michael Conlan makes his feelings clear after controversial defeat to Vladimir Nikitin of Russia at the Rio Olympic Games  Michael Conlan makes his feelings clear after controversial defeat to Vladimir Nikitin of Russia at the Rio Olympic Games

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) have written to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) expressing concerns at the judging at August’s Olympics in Rio, according to its CEO.



Fergal Carruth, brother of Olympic champion Michael, was speaking ahead of tomorrow’s (Sept 2) IABA Annual  Convention at the Ringside Club, adjacent to Dublin’s National Stadium



Michael Conlan, who has since turned pro, was adjudged to have lost to Russia’s Vladimir Nikitin in the quarter finals at Rio 2016, a decision which, magnified by Conlan’s reaction, made international headlines.



AIBA stood down a number of their referees and judges, although they never revealed who the officials were, after that verdict and reassigned its Executive Director.



Carruth said: “The IABA has written to AIBA to express the concerns of all who love our sport about the judging at the Olympic Games. We were also in contact with Boxing Canada, which released a statement during the Games raising similar concerns.”



Michael O’Reilly admitted taking a banned substance in Rio and was expelled from the Olympic village, and Conlan and Donnelly were this week sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for gambling at the Games.



The IABA CEO added: “On foot of the alleged anti-doping violation by one of our Olympic-qualified boxers, there is a disciplinary process to be completed under Irish Sport Anti-Doping Rules. An outcome from the Sport Ireland Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel is anticipated in early course.



“As has been widely reported, two boxers breached the conditions of participation by gambling at the Games and have been sanctioned by the IOC. On receipt of a formal report on the matter, the board of directors will consider if any further proceedings are merited.”



“There has been some commentary around future Sport Ireland funding for Irish boxing. We work with Sport Ireland officials on an on-going basis and we have not been advised of any changes to the grant application and administration process for 2017 funding.



“The results in Rio, together with the challenges arising from the impression created by the judging at a number of the bouts, will undoubtedly be taken into account when the levels of funds to be awarded in the coming period are decided.



“By the same token, we trust that the 52 international medals won by Irish boxers since the start of 2015 together with our successful record at previous Olympic Games will also be brought to bear on these deliberations.



“Members of the High Performance Programme have used and will continue to make use of the boxing facilities at the National Sports Campus.



“It is expected that as the facilities currently under development are completed, and the ancillary services, which are required to run the programme become available, then the frequency and intensity of our boxers’ usage of those facilities will increase.”