Ireland’s Michaela Walsh claims that corruption played a role in her defeat at the World Championships in Serbia on Monday evening.
Home fighter Andjela Brankovic was awarded victory in the 58kg bout by all five judges, with four of them scoring it four rounds to one.
Walsh posted a passionate plea on Instagram this morning, which read: “Denied, but never defeated.
“Yesterday, my dream was stolen. I stepped into the ring at the World Championships against hometown boxer and dominated the fight. It was clear as day. Yet somehow, the decision went against me. I have always been humble in both victory and defeat, but this is something I cannot accept.
“This sport is my livelihood, my passion, my life. Decisions like this have real consequences-funding cut, years of sacrifice overlooked, and dreams stolen in plain sight. Do they not understand what we put into this? The blood, sweat, and tears?
“But let me be clear: this was a victory. I refuse to let corruption define my story. I will rise again, I will fight again, and I will be the champion I know I am.”
The IABA [Irish Boxing Athletic Association] boycotted the 2023 men’s and women’s World Championships, after voicing their displeasure over how the sport was being governed by the IBA [International Boxing Association].
The IABA have been contacted for comments regarding the result and Walsh’s claims.