Last update on. From the section Boxing
In the 2016 Olympic quarterfinals, Vladimir Nikitin beat Michael Conlan
Independent investigation has revealed that a system was in place to influence the outcome of boxing matches at Rio 2016.
Professor Richard McLaren was the head of an investigation that was commissioned by AIBA, the world's governing body for the sport. He said that the seeds had been planted years ago.
"Suspicious" bouts included defeats to Joe Joyce of Great Britain and Michael Conlan from Ireland.
AIBA stated that it had "concern" about the reports of the investigation.
Also, the investigation revealed that qualifiers for 2016 Games were "practice grounds" where manipulation techniques were "fine-tuned".
Two bouts were found to have "caused the system publically collapse", according to the investigation. The bantamweight quarterfinal was between Conlan from Russia and Vladimir Nikitin in the USA.
Conlan was at that time the reigning European and world champion. His defeat sparked outrage after Conlan had seemed to win the bout comfortably.
Another was the gold-medal heavyweight match between Evgeny Tabenko of Russia and Vasily Levit from Kazakhstan.
These findings also raise questions about the final of men's super-heavyweight division between Joyce, France's Tony Yoka and Joyce, which saw Joyce win silver.
According to the investigation, there were 11 "suspicious" bouts total. There may have been others.
Conlan said that he was delighted to be a part of BBC Sport NI. It's been five years since the event and it was a long wait. This was something I never expected.
"The fact that it was done and that my fight has been called up is not news to me, but it is good news. It's an important day for boxing as well as for Olympic sports.
"The black mark from Rio will always be there, and I believe if I hadn’t said what and done what it did, this wouldn’t be happening now.
"I believe it's a big day for amateur boxing, especially for those who suffered in Rio. It's vindication."
Rio won silver for Joe Joyce
Ex-president "bears ultimate accountability"
Professor McLaren was appointed in June to investigate Rio 2016 claims as part of the AIBA's efforts - under the new president Umar Kremlev- to reform the sport.
The International Olympic Committee investigated the case and in 2017 the IOC decided to suspend the AIBA. This bans it from organizing the Tokyo 2020 boxing event.
Professor McLaren, who was a researcher into Russian state-sponsored doping, found that the manipulation structure in the AIBA was possible because key personnel decided not to apply the rules.
He stated that Wu Ching-kuo, the AIBA's former president, "responsible for the failures in officiating at Rio" and that Wu was supported in Rio by Karim Bouzidi, his executive director.
"The executive director took power from the permanent commissions. McLaren stated that the commissions would allow this to happen, as did President Obama.
"Once he had the power, he would supervise the appointment of referees (R&Js), who knew the truth but would follow the manipulation or were incompetent and wanted to remain as R&Js so they would either comply or turn their backs to the events.
In 2018, Wu received a lifetime ban from the AIBA.
Boxing is a problem. It's not about rules and procedures. It's a people problem. McLaren stated that too many people have been working outside of the rules for too long.
The AIBA's R&J system was transformed quickly from being nominated by international federations to an accredited 1-3 star system, with seven independent 5-star permanent R&Js.
"Poorly trained" R&Js were "preyed upon by corrupt motives."
Rio's executive director chose all the R&Js. The draw commission was corrupted so that only the "right" R&Js could officiate the bout.
Kremlev stated that he was determined to make sure boxers get a fair fight. This determination is evident in the AIBA's commitment to finding out the truth and then acting upon it.
"We now need to carefully review the report and determine what steps can be taken to ensure justice. It is crucial that we ensure that the necessary mechanisms are in place to prove that the results are not suspect.
Additional reports will be available in November 2022 and March 2022.
President Kremlev stated that the AIBA had hired Professor McLaren as they have nothing to hide. We will incorporate any useful recommendations. We will seek legal advice on what action can be taken against anyone who is suspected of manipulating.
"Anyone who has fought should not be allowed to join the AIBA family."
