Unconfirmed reports suggest that Russian boxer Vladimir Nitikin will withdraw from the Olympic semi-final following injuries sustained in his hugely controversial victory over Michael Conlan on Tuesday.
Nitikin had been due to face Shakur Stevenson of the USA in the men’s bantamweight semi-final on Thursday but reports from Rio de Janeiro suggest he is not fit to fight due to injuries sustained in a bruising encounter with Conlan on Tuesday.
https://twitter.com/sarahdeming/status/765988403653537792
Insult to injury? Nikitin was F'd up so badly by @mickconlan11 & previous Thai opponent (both controversial) that he can't fight semi v USA
— Kevin Byrne (@KevByrneBox) August 17, 2016
Nikitin can't advance through to next round because of injury – @AIBA_Boxing should stick the winner @mickconlan11 back in!
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) August 17, 2016
Guy who Mick battered has had to withdraw because of the beating he took, this just gets worse! @AIBA_Boxing
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) August 17, 2016
Conlan made his feelings known about amateur boxing in an incredibly honest interview immediately after the fight and if the latest reports prove to be true, it will be a case of insult added to injury given the dubious circumstances surrounding his defeat.
According to Greg Beacham of the Associated Press, the AIBA have not received word from Nitikin about a withdrawal, but the Russian fighter is not obliged to officially withdraw until the weigh-in on the morning of the fight.
AIBA says Vladimir Nikitin has NOT told them he'll withdraw from his bout with Shakur Stevenson. The AM weigh-in is when he has to decide.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 17, 2016
Doesn't mean Vladimir Nikitin can fight or plans to fight. Just means AIBA hasn't been told he won't fight & hasn't ruled him out medically.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 17, 2016
The AIBA today revealed that a number of judges have been removed following a string of controversial decisions at the Olympic Games so far, although none of the judges involved in Conlan’s defeat to Nitikin have been affected.
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