THE judges who brought a premature end to Michael Conlan’s Olympic dreams are still involved at the Rio Games, despite AIBA yesterday confirming they had dropped a number of officials after reviewing a number of poor decisions.
Conlan lambasted AIBA after his inexplicable unanimous decision defeat to Vladimir Nikitin, branding the organisation “cheats”, yet the Belfast fighter is just one of many to have suffered at the hands of the judges in Brazil.
Indeed, heads were scratched when Nikitin got the nod in his last 16 showdown with Thailand’s Chatchai Butdee to set up a meeting with Conlan.
The heavyweight final also saw Nikitin’s fellow Russian Evgeny Tischchenko awarded a controversial decision as boxing once again found itself under the microscope.
With so many questions being asked, AIBA yesterday issued a statement saying that “a handful” of the decisions “were not at the level expected”, before revealing the referees and judges concerned “will no longer officiate” at the Games.
The statement read: “Following recent judging decisions and after carrying out a thorough examination by the relevant commission, AIBA has decided to take immediate and appropriate actions.
Since the beginning of the Olympic Games, AIBA has conducted 239 bouts.
The AIBA R&J commission has reviewed all decisions and determined that less than a handful of the decisions were not at the level expected and consequently it has been decided in accordance with the AIBA R&J evaluation committee that the concerned referees and judges will no longer officiate at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
“In accordance with AIBA rules, the result of all the bouts will stand.
“AIBA represents 200 national federations and has continuously sought to evolve the sport of boxing and continuously strive to ensure a level playing field.
“AIBA will not shy away from its responsibilities and is fully committed to a zero tolerance policy towards fair play in boxing, always acting in the boxers’ utmost interest. The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of all sports and boxing has been part of this since 1904. It is essential AIBA stands to the values of respect, sportsmanship, excellence and remains committed to a fair and transparent sport.”
On claims of corruption, the governing body warned that anybody found to have made such claims without “tangible proof” would face legal action.
“We would like to strongly restate that unless tangible proof is put forward, not rumours, we will continue to use any means, including legal or disciplinary actions, to protect our sport and its R&J community whose integrity is constantly put into question.
“The organisation will not be deterred by subjective judgments made by discontented parties. We welcome all parties to come forward and provide evidence in order to take appropriate and immediate action.”
