Ward shock in Turkey

Irish boxing was left reeling last night when Moate light heavyweight Joe Ward lost 18-15 to Turkey’s Bahram Muzaffer in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Trabzon.

It was the hometown decision to beat all hometown decisions and IABA President Tommy Murphy described it as a ‘dreadful’ call.

The IABA appealed the result but were told it couldn’t be overturned as no rule had been broken. The matter will be considered again at this morning’s judges’ meeting.