AIBA have announced that some judges and referees will no longer officiate at the Rio Olympics after determining a number of decisions to be “not at the level expected”.
The world amateur boxing association have released a statement reveling the removal of some judges and referees from the Games, but have confirmed that the results of fights will still stand.
No specific fights, judges or officials were named in the statement but the timing of the statement, which comes less than 24 hours after Irish boxer Michael Conlan’s controversial defeat, is interesting.
Conlon who was sent crashing out of the quarter-finals of the men’s bantamweight event despite the statistics suggesting that he had beaten his Russian opponent Vladimir Nikitin over three rounds.
Check out the AIBA’s statement in full below.
“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.”
“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 organization will not be deterred by subjective judgements made by discontented parties. We welcome all parties to come forward and provide evidence in order to take appropriate and immediate action.”
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