Number of Olympic boxing judges dropped from duty

A number of Olympic boxing judges have been dropped from their duties after recent controversial decisions, including in Michael Conlan’s defeat.

The body for overseeing amateur boxing, AIBA, said that there was no chance of the decisions on the bouts being overturned though.

Irish boxer Conlan lashed out after he suffered a surprise defeat to Russian Vladimir Nikitin on Tuesday, showing his .

There were also complaints over the judging of fellow Irish boxer Katie Taylor in her defeat and of the men's heavyweight Kazakh finalist Vassiliy Levit.

AIBA's statement read: "Following recent judging decisions and after carrying out a thorough examination by the relevant commission, AIBA has decided to take immediate and appropriate actions.

"Since the beginning of the Olympic Games, AIBA has conducted 239 bouts.

The AIBA R&J commission has reviewed all decisions and determined that less than a handful of the decisions were not at the level expected and consequently it has been decided in accordance with the AIBA R&J evaluation committee that the concerned referees and judges will no longer officiate at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

"In accordance with AIBA rules the result of all the bouts will stand.

"AIBA represents 200 national federations and has continuously sought to evolve the sport of boxing and continuously strive to ensure a level playing field.

"The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of all sports and boxing has been part of this since 1904. It is essential AIBA stands to the values of respect, sportsmanship, excellence and remains committed to a fair and transparent sport.

"With regard to corruption, we would like to strongly restate that unless tangible proof is put forward, not rumours, we will continue to use any means, including legal or disciplinary actions to protect our sport and its R&J community whose integrity is constantly put into question.

"The organisation will not be deterred by subjective judgements made by discontented parties. We welcome all parties to come forward and provide evidence in order to take appropriate and immediate action."