Michael Conlan's battered opponent set to withdraw from Olympic semi - reports

The twists and turns keep on coming!

Reports have emerged that the Russian boxer who was awarded victory over Michael Conlan will not be able to fight in his semi-final bout, writes Stephen Barry.

Vladimir Nikitin's extensive facial injuries, sustained against Conlan, could force him to concede a walkover in his fight tomorrow.

That's according to freelance writer and boxing coach Sarah Deming, who said that Billy Walsh, head coach of Team USA's boxers, does not expect a fight tomorrow.

That would not mean a reprive for Conlan's medal hopes, however, with USA teenager Shakur Stevenson set for a walkover into the gold medal final.

The news is yet to be officially confirmed by the Russian camp, with AIBA telling The Associated Press' Greg Beacham that he'll have until the weigh-in in the morning to decide.

AIBA says Vladimir Nikitin has NOT told them he'll withdraw from his bout with Shakur Stevenson. The AM weigh-in is when he has to decide.

— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 17, 2016

Conlan, for his part, retweeted the news before posting a picture of him enjoying the Rio sun with his family.

Life's a beach 😎 #FamilyFirst pic.twitter.com/G10NzqjAwh

— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) August 17, 2016