Time for AI in boxing? Fury as England's Dimeji Shittu 'totally robbed' of gold medal in 80kg final controversy - 'Shocking decision'
Updated 02/08/2026 at 09:13 GMT+1
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There was controversy in the men's 80kg boxing final as Team England's Dimeji Shittu lost out on a gold medal to India's Ankush Ankush via split decision, despite appearing to have had the better of the fight over five rounds.
'Shocking decision' – Boxing controversy as 'totally robbed' Shittu left in tears
Video credit: TNT Sports
A two-point deduction for holding and hitting was a setback for the 24-year-old and the judges scored the fight 4-1 in Ankush's favour, leaving Shittu in tears.
The deduction was particularly galling given Shittu had not been given a warning by the referee.
"Shocking, terrible, totally robbed," said TNT Sports co-commentator Richie Woodhall. "He [Ankush] certainly had the referee on his side there and the referee has cost Dimeji Shittu the contest. He's been robbed there, I really feel for him.
"How did [Ankush] win that last round on the judges scores? That is absolutely terrible. Shocking decision! Totally robbed and that's not sour grapes."
Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist boxer Delicious Orie echoed Woodhall's sentiments.
"In my opinion, it was a total robbery," he said in the TNT Sports studio. "I think the referee has stripped that gold medal from Dimeji.
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‘Bring AI!’ – Orie urges boxing change after ‘total robbery’ costs Shittu in final
Video credit: TNT Sports
"There's this thing in boxing, because it's subjective, the refereeing is subjective, the judging is subjective... I've been hearing stories that it would be good to potentially add AI judging into boxing.
"I wouldn't necessarily be against it because then it becomes an objective sport. In track and field, you're running to the line, you can't argue with time.
"If I knew there was a specific set of scoring, then bring AI, because I would follow that scoresheet instead of someone else's opinion. That can be the difference, as we've seen here, between a gold and silver medal.
"It's a real shame for Dimeji. He scored some really good points, he pushed his opponent back. I don't know what the referee was thinking. There weren't even any warnings, so to give him two point deductions really doesn't make any sense to me.
"I'm no ref, but speaking to Dimeji, stopping the fight, looking him in the face and saying 'don't do it again'. That's enough for him to not do it again. Essentially stripping that gold medal is no good."
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Shittu: I'm the one to blame
Shittu did not point the blame at the referee or the judges, accepting the outcome and insisting he would "take all accountability."
Asked about the points deduction, he told TNT Sports: "I just tried to stay calm, stay composed.
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‘I’m the one to blame’ – Shittu speaks out on ‘annoying’ boxing controversy
Video credit: TNT Sports
"When things like that happen you've just got to stay calm, there's no point losing your rag and going mad. Just stick to the gameplan. It was annoying, but those are the rules, and the referee controls the bout.
"We can sit here all day and blame judges. I'm not the type to blame judges. There's always things I could've worked on. I put the power in my own hands.
"If people think the scoring was a bit iffy then fair play, but I don't want to blame any judge. I'm the one to blame and I take all accountability for what happened."
On winning silver, he added: "It feels amazing. Commonwealth Games silver medallist, it doesn't sound too bad, does it? It's great pedigree to come away with.
"A lot of exceptional fighters have won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.
"I'm just so happy that everyone at home was able to watch my performances. The vibe in the arena has been great.
"I just hope you were all entertained and pleased with my performances. This won't be the end, I'll be back. We go again."
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