Lions left fuming as Osama Mohamed denied title

The 13-year-old was beaten on a split decision in the final of the Schoolboys Championship in Manchester, missing out by the narrowest of margins to Guildford ABC’s John Mitchell.

It was a result which left Lions head coach Kev Dillon fuming and claiming his fighter had been treated unfairly by the judges.

“We got robbed, pure and simple,” said Dillon. “Without question I thought Osama had done more than enough to win the fight.

“The first round was perhaps a little tight, but after that he took control of the fight. He was on the front foot and landing more punches.

“Even the opposing corner were shocked when their lad had his arm raised.”

Dillon sent footage of the fight, which took place in the 44.5kg for boxers born in 2004, to the ABA as part of an official appeal but the governing body has ruled the result was stand.

He was also critical of how the event was organised, believing this may have contributed to what the judges giving what he felt was the wrong decision.

“From the start of the day to the end it was a farce,” he said. “We were the 33rd bout to take place, meaning we had already been there for nine hours before getting into the ring.

“At this level there are also rules on how close the crowd can get to the ring but they were not respected either.

“Your heart just bleeds for the kid. He has worked so hard all year to get to this position and then to have it taken away like this – it is a difficult one to explain to him.

“We have the option to appeal and I have done so. I’ve sent over the video footage of the whole fight.

“But if I am honest that is just so we can feel we have made our point more than anything else. I have been in this business for 25 years and never seen one of these decisions get overturned.

“The winner gets to fight in the Three Nations Championship and it is a real shame Osama will now not have the chance to do that.”

Mohamed had defeated reigning champion John Thomas on the way to the final and Dillon believes his fighter can be proud of his efforts, despite the obvious disappointment at the finish.

“He’s had a very good season all told,” said Dillon.