AmateurHeadline News

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

Victim of a few robberies himself, Paddy Barnes was shocked

Another team mate, Sean McComb – who lost out at these Championships in controversial circumstances himself – was more diplomatic

Even O’Reilly’s middleweight rivals were in agreement

The WBO middeweight champ even weighed in on the issue

The Irish boxing media were unanimous in their disapproval

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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