Olympics 2012: U.S. Boxer Errol Spence's Controversial Loss Overturned by AIBA
The AIBA has overturned the original decision involving American boxer Errol Spence and awarded him a victory over Indian boxer Krishan Vikas, according to the AP (via Greg Beacham of NBC Sports).
About five hours after his Friday fight ended, the AIBA switched the ruling in favor of Spence after reviewing the bout. The jury found several errors in the 13-11 decision, and it made the necessary correction.
The jury found Vikas had committed nine holding fouls in the third round, and he also intentionally spit his mouthpiece. The mouthpiece incident should have resulted in a loss of four points.
The American team protested the ruling, and the jury decided to take another look at the fight. The team, including Spence, felt the American had won the bout and that the judges made an error.
Spence, who was not overly shocked at the original ruling, was pleased with the decision to overturn the outcome:
"I am obviously thrilled that the competition jury overturned my decision and I can continue chasing the gold medal I came here to win," Spence said.
He is the last American boxer left, so the team would've been on its way home without a single medal. With a second chance, Spence will need to beat Russia's Andrey Zamkovoy to advance and compete for a medal.
The Americans have never left an Olympics without a medal in boxing, and it is up to Spence to continue that streak.
