The Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) yesterday formally requested the president of the world governing AIBA for his assistance in their bid to have Joe Ward considered for inclusion in the London Olympics.
In a formal letter to Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, the chairman of the IABA, Dr John Lynch said they were surprised with the decision given against Ward on Monday.
The Moate teenager, ranked third in the world and reigning European light heavyweight champion, dropped a controversial 18-15 hometown decision to Bahram Muzaffer that cost him his place in this summer’s Olympics.
“As a result we appealed the decision as per AIBA rules, it was rejected,” Dr Lynch said in his letter. "This means that Joe Ward is now the highest ranking boxer at 81 kilos not to qualify. We should point out that in our 100 years’ existence our association has always accepted the rules as set out by AIBA and will continue to do so.
“However we would ask that Mr Ward be considered for inclusion in the Olympics in 2012 under the tripartite selection quota or any other avenue.”
Earlier in the week the president of the IABA, Tommy Murphy, raised the matter with the president of European Amateur Boxing Association, Dr Humbert Furgoni from France, who promised to take a sympathetic look at it.
This getting more embarrassing than trying to get us included as a 33rd country in the last world cup. Can we not just take our beating, accept that these things happen in sport and move on.
Have you seen the fight? He won easily, anyone with an ounce of boxing or even sporting knowledge would see that. It’s an outrageous hometown decision.
Even without that, there is actually another ‘wildcard’ type spot available at his weight. To not make an attempt to get it, especially given how he was beaten, would be ridiculous.
It’s nothing like the FAI situation either. The IABA made a dignified appeal which is not uncommon in boxing and are now applying for the available spot through the proper channels. Not making a show of themselves at all.
Adam Nolan won his final this morning on a countback after a 14-14 draw. Not sure RTE are reporting that he’s from Enniscorthy - he’s from The Ballagh.
McCloskey and Demarcus Corley fight next Saturday, only after finding this out now. Although Corley is a former world champion he has done little in recent years, McCloskey needs a convincing win here.
