Just when you thought the Michael Conlan farce couldn't get more farcical...
It appears as though the Russian fighter who was awarded a win over Michael Conlan which sparked uproar at the Olympics is not fit to face his American opponent Shakur Stevenson and will have to withdraw via injury.
Billy Walsh has been quoted as saying that Nikitin has withdrawn, although we are still waiting for official confirmation.
Here's a scoop. US Head coach Billy Walsh says Shakur Stevenson advances on W/o tomorrow. Nikitin's face a mess after Conlan @StiffJab
— sarahdeming (@sarahdeming) August 17, 2016
US coach Billy Walsh quoted saying Russian Nikitin to give walk over to US fighter tomorrow, "his face is a mess" after Conlon fight
— Fergal Keane (@fergalrte) August 17, 2016
While Walsh making the claim suggests that he has been told that his fighter will be awarded a walkover, it appears as though he has until the morning weigh-ins to make the decision.
AIBA says Vladimir Nikitin has NOT told them he'll withdraw from his bout with Shakur Stevenson. The AM weigh-in is when he has to decide.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 17, 2016
Sadly, it is extremely unlikely that Conlan will be given his rightful place in the semi-final, and instead the Team USA boxer will be awarded a bye into the final.
After all this, the Russian fighter who robbed a place in the semis after robbing a place in the quarters cannot compete because of the injuries he suffered in those two fight.
You couldn't make it up.
