By Igor Lazorin, tass
Russian boxer Vladimir Nikitin, who defeated Michael Conlan with a controversial upset decision in Tuesday's Olympic quarter-final in Rio, has received several offers to go pro.
Nikitin was scheduled to take on America's Shakur Stevenson in the semi-finals on Thursday. However, he was unable to fight due to injuries sustained in his opening two wins, including his victory over Conlan. Stevenson advanced to the gold medal bout and lost a close decision to Robeisy Ramirez of Cuba.
He still walked away with an Olympic bronze medal for the Russian squad.
The win over Conlan received a lot of criticism due to the scoring. Conlan erupted after the contest, verbally assaulting the judges and trashed the amateur boxing governing body, the AIBA.
Nikitin did not reveal the names of the promoters who are looking to sign him, but well known Russian promoter Andrey Ryabinsky has had his eye on several talented Olympians in the RIO games.
"I just want to come home to collect my thoughts, and think these things over," Nikitin said.
The 26-year-old native from the Republic of Komi, is permanently residing in Belgorod. He was a silver medalist in the World Championships and a bronze medal winner in the European championships. Nikitin is also a three-time national champion in Russia.
