Conlan Still Raging: Rotten AIBA is Killing People's Lifelong Work!

By Terence Dooley

Michael Conlan is still reeling from his contentious decision loss to Russia’s Vladimir Nikitin in the 56kg quarter-finals.  Conlan was seen as a close but clear winner by many at ringside and those watching the Games live on TV only for the three judges to award his opponent the win, a decision that enraged the Irishman and prompted a live TV tirade in which he accused the AIBA of cheating him out of a victory.

However, an official told the Daily Telegraph that the AIBA do not favour any particular counties or fighters, saying: “Michael is a current world champion and he came here with high expectations.  His disappointment is massive, we can all understand that.  It's his personal judgment.  AIBA is striving for a fair, level playing field.  The idea is not to benefit one country towards another.  These statements are foundless but he's free to have his opinion.”

Conlan, though, maintains that he was robbed, arguing that he and other fighters have had their dreams dashed against the rocks of poor officiating and scoring in Rio.  His countrywoman Katie Taylor was dumped out of the tournament earlier this week via a decision that was questioned by many and the losses have decimated the Irish team.  Eight came to Rio, eight have now left.

“I'm absolutely devastated,” said Conlan, speaking to the Telegrah.  “I was clearly robbed there.  People are saying it's been a horrendous week for Irish boxing.  It's been a horrendous week for scoring Irish boxing.  We haven't had any favours.

“I watched the heavyweight final last night [won by Russia's Evgeny Tishchenko over Kazakhstan's Vassiliy Levit] and I thought, 'That can't happen to me, with the whole of Ireland watching'.  I thought they couldn't rob me.  But they did.

“You only have to look at the Russian's reaction afterwards.  He didn't believe he won.  I didn't believe he won, the crowd didn't believe he won, even his own corner didn't believe he won.  My little dream has been ruined.”

He added: “It is what it is.  I've lost.  My Olympic dream has been ruined.  AIBA are killing people’s lifelong work.  One thing for sure is I will not box in an AIBA competition again as they are rotten to the core.”

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