Boxing chiefs KO several Olympic judges after review of controversial decisions
Olympic boxing’s governing body has removed some judges and referees from the Rio Games after a controversy over fight decisions and the new professional-style scoring system.
Olympic boxing’s governing body has removed some judges and referees from the Rio Games after a controversy over fight decisions and the new professional-style scoring system.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) said in a statement that it had reviewed all decisions in the 239 bouts to date and found “less than a handful” were not at the level expected.
“The concerned referees and judges will no longer officiate at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games,” it said, adding that the results of all bouts would stand. It did not name any individuals.
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The judging was thrown into the spotlight this week when Chinese, Irish and America boxers protested they had been ‘robbed’ in fights.
US coach Billy Walsh, who is Irish, joined in the criticism after his light-welterweight Gary Russell missed out on a medal.
“The judging has been atrocious,” he said. “The last time I saw it as bad was in Seoul in 1988 when Roy Jones got robbed in the final.”