Michael Conlan beat Vladimir Nikitin over three rounds, but he inexplicably lost the fight.
The Belfast bantamweight was the Irish boxing team’s last hope of winning a medal in Rio and after witnessing some of the dubious decisions in these Olympics, the noxious miasma of injustice was already stinging everyone’s nostrils before the opening bell sounded.
Nikitin was awarded the unanimous decision victory over Conlan in the quarter-finals, with all three judges scoring the first and third rounds in favour of the Russian, but giving Conlan the second. The result meant Nikitin was guaranteed at least a bronze medal, while Conlan was robbed of a second Olympic medal to follow up the bronze he secured in London four years ago.
After the Russian’s hand was raised, Conlan was visibly furious in the ring. He gave an expletive-laden interview with RTE in which he voiced his frustration over having his dreams taken away and vowed to never fight for AIBI again. A recent ruling by the organisation means that he will not be able to appeal the result. His fate is unfairly sealed.
Michael Conlan calls out Vladimir Putin in first tweet since controversial loss https://t.co/xI642jia8i
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 16, 2016
Fans, experts and even the BBC thought that Conlan had won the fight comfortably. When you take a look at the fight stats conducted by Compubox, it’s easy to understand why.
According to the statistics, the judge’s decision to award the first round to Nikitin was actually correct as he outlanded Conlan by 26 punches to 18 of Conlan’s. However, there is no doubt over who won rounds two and three.
Again, round two was scored correctly with Conlan finding home with 39 of his 99 punches compared to Nikitin’s 26 of 88. However, the decisive final round which all three judges gave to the Russian was not. Conlan clearly won the stanza landing 31 of his 126 compared to the Russian’s 21 of 87.
He should have been given the win. He should be in the semi-final. He should be Ireland’s third medal in the games.
But we already knew that, didn’t we?
@CompuBox stats:Conlan outlanded Nikitin 71-49 in rnds 2 & 3. Conlan avg'd 122 thrown per rnd. #OlympicBoxing pic.twitter.com/Q4AXH73eFM
— CompuBox (@CompuBox) August 16, 2016
In case you missed it, Conlan outlanded Nikitin 71-49 in rnds 2 & 3. Conlan avg'd 122 thrown per rnd. #OlympicBoxing pic.twitter.com/qDFmGAPVlB
— CompuBox (@CompuBox) August 17, 2016
On the latest episode of the GAA Hour Hurling Show Wooly and the lads reflect on a monumental weekend of action. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.
