When Vikas Krishan outclassed Errol Spence of USA, 13-11, to enter the quarterfinal of the 69kg category early on Sunday morning, celebrations rang out in the Indian camp as the 2011 World Cup bronze medallist was a step away from a medal.
The 20-year-old boxer had also started to prepare for his next bout, but a few hours later, the competition jury overturned the decision and ruled in favour of Spence, awarding him the bout 15-13.Acting on a protest by the American team, the jury reviewed the video footage and awarded Spence four points for fouls committed by Vikas — holding and throwing of the gum shield.
“According to the jury, these went unnoticed by the referee, and at midnight we were informed that Vikas had lost the bout,” said Bhupinder Singh, manager of the boxing team.
“At that time, we did not have the match CD, so in the morning we examined it and found that fouls were committed by both boxers.
If Vikas was penalised, Spence should also have been punished. But the jury is not ready to entertain our re-appeal. They say they don't have a provision of re-appeal,” he added.
{{/usCountry}}If Vikas was penalised, Spence should also have been punished. But the jury is not ready to entertain our re-appeal. They say they don't have a provision of re-appeal,” he added.
{{/usCountry}}Decision to be challenged in CAS
“I met the AIBA president but he was not ready to entertain our appeal. He told us that he had to go by the jury's decision,” said IBF president Abhey Singh Chautala.
“We have decided to go against the jury decision in CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sports)... we will be discussing it with our lawyer before starting the process,” he added.