AIBA denies corruption at Rio

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has dismissed accusations of corruption in the wake of Michael Conlan’s controversial defeat at the Rio Olympics.

Bantamweight Conlan was eliminated at the quarter-final stage as Russian Vladimir Nikitin was awarded a unanimous decision. The Irishman’s fiery post-fight interview then led to a widespread outpouring of disapproval from other figures in the sport.

The 24-year-old told RTE Sport: “I was here to win Olympic gold. That dream has been shattered now.

“But you know what? I’ve a big career ahead of me now. These? They’re known for being cheats and they’ll always be cheats.

“Amateur boxing stinks from the core right the way to the top.

“I don’t even care what I’m saying now but from the bottom of my heart, I wanted to go back to Ireland with a gold medal. Now I have to go back like a loser, and I’m not a loser – I’m a winner. Today showed just how corrupt this organisation is.”

An AIBA spokesman categorically refuted Conlan’s …

continue reading in source www.skysports.com