Oleksandr Usyk calls for radical change to ‘rotten’ amateur boxing with sport’s place at next Olympics at risk
Oleksandr Usyk has insisted boxing still has a place at the Olympics if it cleans up its act.
Amateur boxing has been a staple sport of the Summer Olympic Games since its introduction in 1904, and is currently in competition at the 2024 Paris Games.
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But it is at risk of being dropped from the Olympics entirely, with the International Olympic Committee not happy with the standards of governance in international amateur boxing.
Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight champion, believes the ranks are currently 'rotten' and has urged the necessary action to be taken.
He told SNTV during a Q&A at Ukraine House: "For many years, there has been a desire to change the boxing system, which is rotten on an international level.
"So, we just need to work. No promises need to be made; we need to act.
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"When you do this, people see the work done and come to you, asking to collaborate.
"But I think boxing will be in the Olympic Games. We are at war. But our athletes still came. They are fighting."
Boxing was close to making no appearance at this summer's ongoing Olympics, after a row between the IOC and previous governing body International Boxing Association broke out.
It was stripped by the IOC prior to the 2020 Tokyo Games, and prevented from running the Paris Games, with concerns over how the contests are being judged and scored.
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Integrity is currently in question, but several fighters and coaches involved in Olympic boxing believe it is a key part of developing talent.
There has been some huge success from many fighters who come through the Olympic ranks, and have gone on to become world champions as professionals.
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But there has been some huge controversies throughout the years, with the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Anthony Joshua involved in their own.
At the current games, there has already been some controversial decisions which in particular have affected Team GB.
Rosie Eccles was eliminated in the opening round after being on the wrong end of a controversial split decision, with fans furious with the scoring.
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Most recently super-heavyweight Delicious Orie felt to the same fate, which sparked more outrage in the boxing world.
Orie was so distraught that he was even forced to briefly pause an interview, as he assessed his misfortunes.
“I was fairly surprised at the result, I feel like I did just enough to edge it," he told talkSPORT.
“I should’ve done more to be honest, not just to edge it, I should’ve done more. It wasn’t my day today and unfortunately this was the day where it really mattered.
“I’m just going to have to take it. I’ve been hit, I’ve been hurt, I’ve been dropped in my sparring, I’ve been really wounded as an athlete but this is the worst… this is the worst thing I’ve had to go through.
“I think he landed a few more shots that were just eye-catching. I noticed them, the whole crowd noticed them and the judges noticed them."
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