Clarke was also magnanimous on the subject of Aliev’s reaction. An orthodox boxing a southpaw – it often happens,” he said. ![]() Whether it’s intentional or not, I don’t know. “I felt there was a couple of heads going in, to be honest. The 29-year-old from Burton-on-Trent is a huge, likable man, and a kind of father figure in this British team, who were present in numbers to cheer on their fighters. With Clarke now certain of at least bronze, Britain’s boxers are guaranteed at least five Olympic medals.īut it was the super-heavyweight clash that provided the drama in Tokyo, and a sense of rancour that was far from over at the end as the French camp raged at length to the assembled global media. Moments before that sensational final bout Britain’s Ben Whittaker had out-boxed Imam Khataev to secure a gold medal shot, a fine and skilful performance from the 24-year-old Wolverhampton light-heavyweight. Standing in the mixed zone with blood still dripping from both eyes Clarke noted that “the modelling career is still on”, before stating that he had now fought Aliev five times and been cut in four of those fights the same way. ![]() None of the cuts to Clarke’s face were caused by an outright butt, but resulted from contact as the two men rubbed heads, instigated in the referee’s view by Aliev. Aliev’s spokesperson, a member of the French coaching team, even alleged some kind of corrupt influence and threatened to quit the sport as a result, saying: “I don’t think they wanted France to win a medal.” ![]() He also claimed to have received no warning from the referee. Afterwards Aliev spoke of his fury at the “disgraceful” decision, which he described as a betrayal of the Olympics.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |