Heartbreak for Vikas, out of Olympics after AIBA overturns win

Jury members unanimously awarded four points to American boxer, making him the winner with a score of 15-13

In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Indian boxer Vikas Krishan (69kg) was today ousted from the Olympics after the International Boxing Association (AIBA) overturned the result of his pre-quarterfinal bout, that he had won, following a review.

The 20-year-old had won 13-11 over Errol Spence in a thrilling contest last night but after an appeal by his rival's team management, the AIBA awarded the bout 15-13 to the American.

"There were a total of nine (9) holding fouls committed by the Indian boxer in the third round alone. However the referee only gave one caution," the AIBA said in a statement after a review by its competition jury.

"In the second round, at the time 02:38, the boxer from India spitted out his gumshield intentionally. However the referee didn't give any warning," it added.

Based on these "findings", the jury members "unanimously" decided to award Spence four points, thereby making him the winner.

Vikas, only the second Indian boxer after Vijender to fetch a bronze medal in the World Championship, was among the biggest medal prospects for the country.

Earlier, India were at the wrong end of the AIBA review system when the country's appeal against the close opening-round loss of Sumit Sangwan (81kg) was rejected by the world body's competition jury.