The Irish Amateur Boxing Association have called for a review to the judging and scoring systems in place for amateur boxing in the wake of some very controversial decisions at the Rio Olympics.
Michael Conlan’s quarter-final defeat to Russian Vladamir Nikitin was the most egregious example of poor judging at the 2016 Olympics after the Irish fighter was denied a clear victory, but it wasn’t the only one of the games.
The heavyweight final between Russia’s Evegny Tischenko and Kazakhstan fighter Vassily Levit raised many eyebrows when the Russian benefited from some very generous judging, while the Irish team also had major questions over the nature of Katie Taylor’s exit.
Using some measured language, the IABA pointed out that recent changes to organisation of Olympic boxing left them without an avenue to appeal those results, and called for a review to the judging process.
The statement read:"The IABA fully understands the frustration expressed by our athletes and coaches regarding the outcome of some of the bouts at the Games particularly given the split decisions that went against three of our athletes, the casting decision which saw Katie lose and the controversy around Michael Conlan’s defeat earlier today.
“We do not have an option to appeal decisions at the Olympic Games. IABA do however believe that in light of events in Rio, it is in the best interests of amateur Olympic boxing that the scoring and judging process is reviewed.
“We will look to work with other national federations and AIBA to ensure that this happens.”
The IABA also confirmed that they will conduct a review of the High Performance Programme over the last four years, which is expected to be published in December.
The failed doping test of Michael O'Reilly is likely to feature highly in the report after the middleweight testing positive for a banned substance in the build-up to the games.
O’Reilly was one of Ireland’s genuine medal hopes and his failed test was a major black eye for the IABA.
Their statement continued: "We will be conducting a review of the entire High Performance Programme for the four years from London 2012 to Rio 2016 and will publish the outcome of that review later this year.
"An imperative of the review will be to establish that the systems supporting our zero-tolerance approach to doping in sport are in line with international best practice.
"This review forms part of a larger strategic review of the IABA, to ensure the further growth and development of Irish boxing at all levels, which is currently underway and that we hope to have ready for publication in December."
