To add absolute insult to injury, Vladimir Nikitin looks unlikely to compete in the Olympic semi-finals because of the injuries he sustained against Conlan.

After a shock decision that rocked the world and ultimately resulted in several judges being sent home from Rio, things just keep getting worse.

Nikitin is due to fight the USA's Shakur Stevenson in Thursday's semi-final, but reports from Stevenson's corner are indicating that the Russian will not be fit enough to compete.

Billy Walsh, Stevenson's coach, let the cat out of the bag this evening, and although things look grim, they are not yet confirmed.


According to IABA rules, Nikitin does not have to officially throw in the towel until the weigh in tomorrow morning, giving the Russian just over half a day to pull himself together for the fight.

Paddy Barnes, head of the Irish team and pal of Conlan tweeted out his disgust at the revelation:

Guy who Mick battered has had to withdraw because of the beating he took, this just gets worse! @AIBA_Boxing — Paddy Barnes (@paddyb_ireland) August 17, 2016

Several others were quick to respond, with the same disbelief as you or I.

@paddyb_ireland @AIBA_Boxing aiba are the laughing stalk of olympics, disgusting — KIERAN SMITH (@kieransmith15) August 17, 2016


@paddyb_ireland @AIBA_Boxing is this for real?!?! Jesus ya cudnt write this shite — laura mistéil (@lauramisteil) August 17, 2016

Conlan has yet to respond, with his last tweet being a sweet family pic, enjoying the sun in Rio and trying to put this whole nightmare behind him.