AIBA refuses to name expelled Olympic boxing judges & refs

Olympic boxing's governing body AIBA has announced that it has expelled a 'handful' of referees and judges involved in controversial decisions '¨during the Rio Games.
Irelands Michael Conlan was furious about losing to Vladimir Nikitin. Picture: GettyIrelands Michael Conlan was furious about losing to Vladimir Nikitin. Picture: Getty
Irelands Michael Conlan was furious about losing to Vladimir Nikitin. Picture: Getty

But a number of those involved in bouts considered the most contentious in recent days were still officiating yesterday afternoon.

It is thought that six officials have been expelled from the Games, although AIBA officials refused to confirm the number or identities of those involved.

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Controversy has centred on Monday night’s heavyweight final, in which Russia’s Evgeny Tishchenko won a verdict over Vasilliy Levit of Kazakhstan, and the defeat of Ireland’s Michael Conlan by another Russian, Vladimir Nikitin, on Tuesday.

One of the judges who scored in favour of Tishchenko, Colombia’s Armando Carbonell Alvarado, officiated in bouts yesterday, as did two of those – Udeni Kiridena of Sri Lanka and Kennedy Do Rosario Silva – who favoured Nikitin.

Despite the controversy, AIBA said there was no 
possibility of overturning any results.

AIBA’s 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 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.

“It is essential AIBA stands to the values of respect, sportsmanship, excellence and remains committed to a fair and transparent sport.

“With regard to corruption, 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 judgements made by discontented parties.”

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Conlan launched a furious tirade live on TV immediately after he lost a points verdict to Nikitin. He called AIBA officials “f****** cheats” and “cheating b******s”, and even tweeted Russian president Vladimir Putin to ask: “Hey Vlad @PutinRF_Eng How much did they charge you bro??”.

Conlan’s decision came one day after a controversial verdict in the men’s heavyweight final went the way of Tischenko. Despite the Kazakh having appeared to dominate the bout, the three judges found in favour of Tischenko.