Vladimir Nikitin’s cut opened up several times during his quarter final win over Michael Conlan.
We suspected as much on Wednesday but news has officially arrived that the Russian boxer will not fight again at Rio 2016.
The 26-year-old was due to take on America’s Shakur Stevenson in a last four bout that would have guaranteed him at least a silver. Instead, he has withdrawn from the contest under medical advice and picks up as bronze medal on his way.
Nikitin sustained a nasty head wound in his win over Thailand’s Chatchai Butdee in the preliminaries. That wound was reopened early doors into his controversial, unanimous victory over Conlan.
It is another bitter pill for the Belfast boxer to take after all three judges ended his Olympic dream by going against him.
Nikitin’s withdrawal now means Stevenson, who is coached by Billy Walsh, will get a silver medal at least. For Walsh, the fact that Conlan won’t face Stevenson is bittersweet:
“Best boxers should meet at the Olympics. One of the best [Conlan] has been denied his chance by poor judging.”
The Team USA boxer will now face the winner of Murodjon Akhmadaliev (Uzbekistan) and Robeisy Ramirez Carrazana (Cuba).
On the latest episode of the GAA Hour Hurling Show Wooly and the lads reflect on a monumental weekend of action. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes
