Wednesday 17 August 2016 17:20, UK
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has dismissed accusations of corruption in the wake of Michael Conlan's controversial defeat at the Rio Olympics.
Bantamweight Conlan was eliminated at the quarter-final stage as Russian Vladimir Nikitin was awarded a unanimous decision. The Irishman's fiery post-fight interview then led to a widespread outpouring of disapproval from other figures in the sport.
The 24-year-old told RTE Sport: "I was here to win Olympic gold. That dream has been shattered now.
"But you know what? I've a big career ahead of me now. These? They're known for being cheats and they'll always be cheats.
"Amateur boxing stinks from the core right the way to the top.
"I don't even care what I'm saying now but from the bottom of my heart, I wanted to go back to Ireland with a gold medal. Now I have to go back like a loser, and I'm not a loser - I'm a winner. Today showed just how corrupt this organisation is."
An AIBA spokesman categorically refuted Conlan's accusations. "It's his personal judgement," he said. "All I can say is that AIBA is striving for a fair, level playing field.
"The idea is not to benefit one country towards another, we represent 200 national federations. These statements are groundless, but he's free to have his opinion."
The Russian boxing federation was equally dismissive of allegations of wrongdoing and representative Igor Kazikov issued the following statement:
"The Russians are constantly being accused of something. Let's deal with these things in a dignified way.
"There were judges sitting there, professionals who take responsibility for these things. Why is there this mistrust all the time?"
The boxing fraternity came out in support of Conlan's plight, taking to social media to vent their dismay.
Continuing on from criticism of the previous night's decision to award another Russian - super-heavyweight Evgeny Tischenko - the gold medal over Vassiliy Levit, some of the sport's biggest names let fly.
Glenn McCrory (former world champion and Sky Sports pundit): "Disgrace! Absolutely ridiculous decision. Michael Conlan won all three rounds."
Darren Barker (former world champion and Sky Sports pundit): "Absolutely disgusting. The poor lad's dream is shattered because of greedy, corrupt judges."
Tony Bellew (world cruiserweight champion): "Been going on for decades. Mass media coverage would, should stop I but it won't. Corruption is rife."
Billy Joe Saunders (world middleweight champion): "When judges robbed a young man of his lifetime dream, something should be done. Chin up, Mick Conlan."
Matthew Macklin (former European and British champion): "Does ANYONE bar those judges actually think the Russian won that fight?"
Conlan is now likely to follow his older brother - Jamie 'The Mexican' Conlan (17-0-KO11) - into the professional ranks.
