MICHAEL CONLAN WAS robbed of an Olympic medal by farcical judging this afternoon, apparently losing his bantamweight quarter-final to Russian Vladimir Nikitin by unanimous decision.

Despite dominating the bout from start to finish, the World, European and Commonwealth champion was deemed to have lost the bout 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 on all three judges’ scorecards.

“They’re fucking cheats. I will never box again (under the) AIBA,” Conlan said afterwards.

“They’re known for being cheats. Amateur boxing stinks to the core. I thought I boxed the ears off him in the first round and they scored against me. It’s a shambles. I don’t care what I am saying. I’m probably blabbering on. Today showed just how corrupt this organisation is.”

Bloodied and battered -- but still adjudged to be the winner. Source: Inpho

The Belfast boxer out-boxed, out-moved and out-fought his Russian opponent, landing a flurry of quick combinations and heavy blows which left Nikitin requiring treatment at regular intervals.

But, incredibly, the judges decided Nikitin had won the fight, leaving the crowd inside the Riocentro stunned and Conlan incensed at the stench of corruption and injustice.

Conlan’s controversial defeat now means Ireland’s boxers will return home without a medal for the first time since the 2004 Games in Athens.

Be part

of the team Access exclusive podcasts, interviews and analysis with a monthly or annual membership. Become a Member

The 24-year-old, who had previously declared his intentions to turn professional after Rio, vented his anger and frustration as he left the ring, flinging his accreditation, and then giving that highly impassioned interview to RTÉ.

Conlan is set to turn professional now that his Olympic dream is over. Source: Inpho

From the first bell, Conlan was on the front foot but he lost the opening round after his opponent had swung furiously, and at times aimlessly, throughout.

Conlan and the Irish coaches were informed of the decision by the by-standing Paddy Barnes and he was noticeably more aggressive in the second, cutting Nikitin over his left eye and the side of the head.

He was justifiably rewarded with victory in the second round and despite landing further blows in the final round, the decision, somewhat predictably, went against the Irishman.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!