The outraged reaction to Michael O’Reilly’s controversial defeat in Olympic box-off
There was drama, disappointment, and disgrace today at the AIBA World Boxing Championships with Irish middleweight Michael O’Reilly somehow being adjudged to have lost his Olympic box-off.
Despite dominating the first two rounds of his fight with Egypt’s Hossam Hussein Abdin, all three judges scored the bout against the Portlaoise BC man – a decision which flabbergasted all who watched the bout and left O’Reilly despondent.
After the fight the Irish boxing community took to social media to express their disgust.
Coach Zaur Antia did not mince his words
Absolutely disgraced by the judges decision. Michael won all 3 rounds and they robbed him first 2….disgraceful
Posted by Zaur Antia on Wednesday, 14 October 2015
Olympic silver medalist Kenny Egan felt even stronger
Who's pockets got lined from the O'Reilly fight this evening #shambles #CorruptionStrikesAgain #Doha2015 #justliketheoldtimes
— Cllr Kenneth Egan (@kenegan30) October 14, 2015
Victim of a few robberies himself, Paddy Barnes was shocked
I really can't believe that! Michael Oreilly won that fight! This is a disgrace! #Doha2015 #aiba
— Paddy Barnes (@paddyb_ireland) October 14, 2015
Another team mate, Sean McComb – who lost out at these Championships in controversial circumstances himself – was more diplomatic
Just witnessed Michael oreilly being robbed off every boxers dream of going to the Olympic Games! Unbelievable this boxing is! Head up pal!🍀
— sean mc comb (@sugarseantl) October 14, 2015
Even O’Reilly’s middleweight rivals were in agreement
I feel for every fighter i see get robbed,whether there rivals or not, because i know how much it hurts. Unlucky o'reilly an Savon tonight
— Anthony Fowler (@afowler06) October 14, 2015
The WBO middeweight champ even weighed in on the issue
O'Reilly getting robbed here.
— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeBoxing) October 14, 2015
The Irish boxing media were unanimous in their disapproval
Shame on those judges. O'Reilly beaten in Olympic box-off by Egypt pic.twitter.com/MmkjKmwyOf
— Kevin Byrne (@KevooByrne) October 14, 2015
Shocking decision in #Doha O'Reilly robbed. No live scores in arena… says a lot!
— Ciarán Gallagher (@Ciaran_Gally) October 14, 2015
That Michael O'Reilly loss shames @AIBA_Boxing #stinks
— eamon carr (@carrtogram) October 14, 2015
Just left a distraught Michael O'Reilly. He is sickened and disgusted by the judges decision. Cannot understand how he lost it.
— Hugh Cahill (@hughcahill7) October 14, 2015
