- Callum Peters was defeated at the Olympics
- Peters, 21, almost managed to beat the reigning champion
- But the judges controversially awarded the fight in favor of his rival
Australian boxing fans are furious after young boxer Callum Peters was denied a famous Olympic victory.
The 21-year-old South Australian narrowly lost to reigning world champion Nurbek Oralbay in Paris, despite pushing the Kazakh to his limits in a thrilling three-round match.
He sensationally defeated Oralbay in the second round, forcing the referee to intervene and issue a count of eight.
On the final lap, the champion was warned after holding Peters and trying to apply pressure with victory in sight.
Despite this, three of the five judges awarded Oralbay the victory.
Peters told reporters: “I won that fight” after receiving a standing ovation from the crowd in the arena. Furious fans took to social media to vent their anger at the decision.
“Callum Peters just got mugged, I’m sick of it,” said one disappointed fan on X.
Another added: ‘Hello 112, I want to report a robbery on behalf of Callum Peters.’
Australian boxer Callum Peters (left) was brutally denied victory in Paris
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A third fan said: ‘Stop watching Olympic boxing. It’s crooked. Australian Callum Peters is the latest victim of a robbery.’
‘What an absolute joke,’ said a fourth fan. ‘Callum Peters won the 2nd round clearly and the 3rd. The Kazakh held on and hugged the whole last round.
‘Even the first round was close. I love boxing, but that’s the worst part, if you don’t get a KO or TKO, your chances get smaller.’