‘Disgrace’ – Team GB boxer Rosie Eccles ‘robbed’ and knocked out of Olympics in very first round
Team GB star Rosie Eccles was left heartbroken and frustrated after losing in the opening round of the Paris Olympics.
Eccles was in action in the women's welterweight category as she looked to progress through the opening round at the Paris Games against Polish star Aneta Rygielska.
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Rygielska was a former foe who had beaten her in the quarter-finals of the 2022 European Championships, and the British star was looking to take revenge under the brightest of lights.
In Paris, the fight began at a close pace with Rygielska put on the canvas, but it wasn't scored as an opening round knockdown.
The Welsh fighter looked the more active of the two fighters as a tense and nervy final round approached.
Eccles fancied her chances and the pair came out for a tight final round, which the Briton thought she had control of.
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Rygielska was deducted a point as she wilted over and was constantly reprimanded while clinging on to her more active opponent.
The final bell rang and the British star thought she had done enough to set up an intriguing round of 16 clash with Busenaz Surmeneli.
But a split decision went against her in incredible fashion, as she lost 3-2 on the judges' scorecards to her complete bewilderement.
Speaking after the fight an emotional Eccles said: "I knew I'd won the fight. I'm really, really shocked.
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"I've given my whole life for a gold medal in the Olympics, or at least an Olympic medal to take home. I really would have been proud of that."
“A boxer knows when they have won a fight,” Eccles added. “I knew I had won the fight so I am really, really shocked. It feels as if I am in a dream right now, but not a great one. For her to have a point taken off for spoiling, I am even more gutted.
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“I don’t know what to say other than I’m really grateful to everyone that has helped get me here.”
Meanwhile, fans were stunned inside the arena, but also on social media with one writing: "Rosie Eccles... Absolutely robbed. Disgraceful decision."
Another agreed: "That’s a ridiculous decision in the boxing. Rosie Eccles absolutely robbed there.
A spectator was furious, writing: "Extraordinary, bizarre, inexplicable points split decision against Team GB's Rosie Eccles. Clearly won the fight. Outrageous injustice."
One assessed: "I'm no boxing expert, but Rosie Eccles knocked her opponent down, forced her to clinch constantly and even caused a point deduction as her opponent wilted over - yet the judges thought she lost? Awful."
BBC pundit Steven Bunce even concluded: "I'm genuinely shocked. I'm stunned. I really did think she'd get it. That was a brutal outcome."
A chorus of boos rang around the arena, as many who were closest to the encounter were totally bemused by the scoring.
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It is a damaging blow for Eccles' career, as she will now miss out on the opportunity to secure an Olympic medal.
Her Olympic dreams are in tatters, and she will feel that she did all she can but had it taken away from her.
There have been some hugely controversial Olympic boxing decisions over the years, including Roy Jones Jr who was denied a gold medal due to a 'complete robbery'.
Speculation is rife that an appeal could be lodged, but it is unlikely a decision will be overturned despite sparking huge controversy.
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