AIBA decision to ban Rio officials not affecting Michael Conlan

It seems now manifestly too late but the suspension by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) of all 36 referees and judges who officiated at the Rio Olympics recognises that boxing has a problem that needs fixing.

For the sport and the Olympic Games it’s a case of facing a problem that has regularly arisen and again boxing is in a battle to win over the confidence of its main assets, the fighters.

Michael Conlan, who did most to highlight poor standards in the Riocentro Arena after his controversial loss in the quarter-finals to the Russian Vladimir Nikiti, has spoken his mind on the subject.

The Irish bantamweight, currently in Dubai on holidays and in line to have his first professional fight on St Patrick’s Day in New York next year, has no problems going into a professional arena where the controversial “10-point plus” Rio system operates.

“Yeah I see what I said has happened now,” said Conlan. “It is now a past part of my career. It is difficult but what happened, happened. I have no bothers going into the professional game, none what so ever.

“It was the right move for me. I’ve made my decision there and what happened in Rio is now in the past. Really I don’t want to comment because what I said has happened.”

Among the 36 referees and judges stood down pending the AIBA's investigation is Irish referee Michael Gallagher, who officiated in Rio.

AIBA dropped a number of unidentified judges and referees during the competition, after finding that “less than a handful” of the decisions from 239 bouts reviewed were not at the level expected. The suspension of the 36 officials appears to have escalated the problem.

“It has been decided that all 36 R&Js that were used at the Olympic Games will not officiate at any AIBA event until the investigation reaches its conclusion, along with further immediate measures adopted by the commissions” said the AIBA in a statement.