AIBA to allow judging protests after Asiad boxing turmoil

JAKARTA:The International Boxing Association (AIBA) will introduce a right of protest against controversial judging “to ensure fair play” and prevent a repeat of ugly scenes that marred the Asian Games. Two North Korean boxing coaches were thrown out of the Asian Games Saturday after refusing to leave the ring and inciting the crowd after their fighter lost gold on a split decision to a Chinese boxer. Police had to move in to escort the duo, who had their Asian Games credentials immediately removed, from the Jakarta International Expo arena. They will now face disciplinary action by AIBA. And there were ugly scenes earlier in the week after an Iraqi fighter lost a close fight and a fan jumped over barriers and tried to storm the ring encouraged by the boxer’s cornermen. “AIBA has a responsibility to ensure fair play and we’re going to make sure that happens,” AIBA executive director Tom Virgets told AFP. “We’re going to have a protest committee in place because even in the best of times there will be (controversial) decisions, officials get tired, it’s like any other sport that is subjective.” Currently AIBA’s technical regulations Rule 5 states: “No protest is permitted and the decisions of the referee in a bout are final.”said Virgets. (AFP)