THE BOXING CONTROVERSY in Rio shows no signs of going anywhere after the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has confirmed the organisation’s current Executive Director has been ‘reassigned’.
The move follows AIBA’s decision to stop using referees who were found to have scored bouts incorrectly in Brazil, though some of them were still in action yesterday.
Karim Bouzidi will now take up a new role with immediate effect.
“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”, an official statement read.
Interestingly, it continued:
The latest decisions taken emphasized AIBA will not shy away from its responsibilities and will continue to ensure a level playing field and a fair, transparent sport. It is of paramount importance to protect our sport and its R&J community whose integrity is constantly put into question.”
These Games have seen boxing come under the microscope after a litany of high-profile incidents, most notably Michael Conlan’s controversial defeat on Tuesday.
In the aftermath of his loss to Russian Vladimir Nikitin, the Irish boxer accused AIBA of being ‘f**king cheats’.
The governing body responded by saying the claims were ‘foundless’ but the decision-making in recent days would indicate the sport’s administrators have felt it necessary to make some dramatic changes.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
