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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Gavin Quinn

Michael Conlan set for new opponent as Vladimir Nikitin pulls out of Rio grudge match

Michael Conlan's rematch with Rio rival Vladimir Nikitin is off after the Russian pulled out of the August 3 fight with injury.

It was confirmed today that Nikitin has torn a bicep, pulling out of the Belfast fight as promoters search for a new opponent for Conlan.

Conlan suffered a controversial points decision defeat to Nikitin at the 2016 Rio Olympics, after which the Irishman labelled amateur boxing “corrupt”.

The loss signalled the end of the Irishman's amateur career as he missed out on a gold medal, while Nikitin didn't turn professional until last summer.

Ahead of the fight, Conlan said: “I want to right a wrong that should never have been written. Nikitin will get a horrendous reception but I imagine he’ll be revelling in it too.” 

Conlan has won all 11 of his professional fights to date, with six coming by way of knockout.

He was last seen beating Ruben Garcia Hernandez at Madison Square Garden Theatre on St Patrick's Day.

The Falls Road boxer claimed the WBO Inter-Continental Featherweight title last December when he beat Jason Cunningham on the undercard of Carl Frampton's world title defeat to Josh Warrington.

Nikitin has fought just three times as a pro, winning all three via points decisions.

His last fight was on the same bill as Conlan vs Hernandez when the Russian beat Juan Tapia.

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