AIBA STATEMENT *Correction* (Correction from previous statement by AIBA. Correction by AIBA)

 

Further to the decision taken yesterday by AIBA with regard to the reassessment of the judges and referees officiating during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the AIBA Vice Presidents and Executive Board members have decided to reassign with immediate effect the current AIBA Executive Director to a new role within the organisation. Consequently, the operational responsibilities for the remainder of the Olympic Boxing Competition will now fall under the responsibilities of the most senior Vice President of the AIBA Executive Board, Mr Franco Falcinelli, President of the European Boxing Confederation.The Olympic Games, of which Boxing has been a part since 1904, represent the pinnacle of all sports. Since the beginning of Rio 2016, AIBA has conducted over 250 bouts and remains fully committed to fair play in boxing, always seeking to act in the boxers’ utmost interests.

The decisions taken emphasise that AIBA will not shy away from its responsibilities and will continue to ensure a level playing field and a fair and transparent sport. It is of paramount importance to protect our sport and its R&J community whose integrity has been put into question.

Russian bantamweight Vladimir Nikitin has ceded a walkover to Shakur Stevenson of the USA at Rio 2016.

Both men were due to meet this evening in the 56kg semi-final, but Nikitin withdrew due to the injuries he suffered in his semi-final at the hands of Michael Conlan.

Three judges awarded Nikitin their decision in that fight.

Cuba’s Robeisy Ramirez, who won flyweight gold at the London Olympics, beat Uzbekistan’s Murodjan Akhamadaliev this evening to set up the final with Stevenson.

Both Ramirez and  Stevenson are now guaranteed at least silver.

Cuba’s Julio Cesar La Cruz, who beat Ireland’s Joe Ward in the 2015 World Elite final, won light-heavy gold tonight in Rio.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association are hosting an information workshop for all Referees/Judges on Saturday 27th August in Ringside Club at Dublin’s National Stadium at 10.30am.

Please circulate to all Referee/Judges in your units.