THE IRISH Amateur Boxing Association yesterday received final notification from the world governing body AIBA that light heavyweight boxer Joe Ward (81kg) will not be competing in the 2012 London Olympics.
The AIBA notification stated: “. . . following the Olympic Qualifying Guidelines approved by the IOC Executive Board, the next Best Boxer from the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships is supposed to be selected. Following the Competition Protocol list, we regrettably found out that your boxer does not meet the qualification to be the next Best Boxer in your continent.”
However, Ward is in fact the next highest ranked boxer in Europe who is not qualified for London 2012. The Irish boxer is ranked fifth in the world rankings. The next highest ranked European fighter who is not London-qualified is Frenchman Abdelkader Bouhenia. He is placed at 13, according to the June ranking list on the governing body’s website.
Ward’s camp is confused about what is meant by the official statement which appears incorrect. Not only is he the top-ranked European boxer not in London 2012 but the 18-year-old is also the European senior champion.
It is believed the Irish governing body is appealing the decision.
The Irish Amateur Boxing Association’s high performance head coach Billy Walsh has said he is extremely disappointed.
USA lightweight Queen Underwood has been handed a wild card entry for London 2012. The American caused Bray’s Katie Taylor problems at the 2010 World Women’s Championships in Barbados and was ahead on points before Taylor eventually won the bout.
Underwood will probably not be seeded in London and could face Taylor in her first fight.
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