Michael Conlan robbed in Rio – eliminated in judging shocker

"Amateur boxing stinks."
Those were the words of Michael Conlan – and, surely, the thoughts of every sane observer – when the Belfast fighter was on the receiving end of one of the worst judging decisions in recent memory.
Conlan handed Russia's Vladimir Nikitin a boxing masterclass, yet somehow ended up on the wrong end of a unanimous decision.
Moving smoothly and consistently outlanding his opponent, Conlan was in complete control throughout – though the fact that Nikitin was awarded the first round was a warning that something distinctly fishy might have been afoot.
The second round went to Conlan, but somehow the judges handed the final session – and the win – to Nikitin. It was, to the eyes of anyone watching, deplorable.
Speaking to RTE afterwards, he made no bones about his anger; having thrown water bottles around the arena, he turned the air blue, as you can watch below.

Incredible post-fight interview from Michael Conlan... #Olympics #boxing pic.twitter.com/MYcPxjxN0d

— Paddy Power (@paddypower) August 16, 2016

After an incredible decision in last night's heavyweight title fight, when Russia's Evgeny Tishchenko was awarded a gold medal he certainly didn't earn, reaction will be swift to this latest controversy. Allegations had been made in the Guardian before the tournament, suggesting corruption within the boxing system and authorities – and this afternoon's disgrace will see the spotlight intensify further.