Vikas Krishan's joy was short-lived as the International Boxing Association (AIBA) overturned the result of his pre-quarterfinal bout, just five hours after he had won against America's Errol Spence on Friday night.
The 20-year-old Indian had won 13-11 over Errol Spence of United States in a thrilling contest on Friday night but in a dramatic turn of events, the AIBA declared the result 15-13 in favour of the American after the review of the match following an appeal from the U.S. team. They cited fouls committed by the Indian for the result overturn.
The decision of the AIBA has stunned the Indian officials at the Olympics, as it has deprived Vikas the chance to win a medal in the 69kg category. Winning the next bout (quarterfinals) would assure him a medal.
Indian Chef-de-Mission PK Muralidharan Raja at the London Olympics, who is also the Secretary General of Indian Boxing Federation, said that the Indian contingents will not take the decision lying down though the jury decision is final in such cases. Indian contingent will have a meeting on Saturday to decide on the future course of action.
The AIBA had earlier said in a statement that the Competition Jury overturned the result of the bout owing to the fouls committed by the Indian boxer.
"There were a total of nine (9) holding fouls committed by the Indian boxer in the third round alone. However the Referee only gave one caution. In the second round, at the time 02:38, the boxer from India spitted out his gumshield intentionally. However the Referee didn't give any warning," said a statement from AIBA.
The Competition Jury Members unanimously decided to overturn the result based on their findings after reviewing the match.
"Based on the AIBA Technical & Competition Rules 12.1.9, the Referee should have given at least two (2) warnings to the Indian boxer. Although the boxer from India intentionally spitted out his gumshield, the Referee's view was blocked by the boxer from the USA and was not able to see the action," said the statement.
"...at least four (4) points should have been awarded to the boxer from the USA. Therefore the final score should be 13:15 in favour of the USA. The protest is accepted and the winner of Bout #142 is Errol Spence (USA)," it added.
