In what appears to be confirmation of the reports that circulated last night, Russian news agency TASS says Vladimir Nikitin will not contest the Olympic Bantamweight semi-final, scheduled for later today.
Nikitin was declared the controversial winner of the quarter-final between himself and Michael Conlan, which most observers felt the Irish boxer won.
The reason given for Nikitin’s no-show is that he cannot fight due to injuries inflicted by Conlan, which will only fan the flames of discontent with the decision of the judges.
Here's a scoop. US Head coach Billy Walsh says Shakur Stevenson advances on W/o tomorrow. Nikitin's face a mess after Conlan @StiffJab
— sarahdeming (@sarahdeming) 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 (@paddyb_ireland) August 17, 2016
Conlan has vowed never to box again as an amatuer, saying: “Amateur boxing stinks, right from the core all the way to the top.”
He retweeted the news that Nikitin will not fight but it makes no difference to his Olympic hopes.
In the event of the Russian not fighting he will take home a bronze medal and his opponent, American Shakur Stevenson, will be given a walkover into the gold medal final.
