TEAM GB’s Rosie Eccles suffered a shock defeat in the opening round of the women’s boxing at Paris 2024.
Competing in the women’s welterweight category, Eccles faced Poland’s Aneta Rygielska and lost on a controversial split decision.
In Paris, the fight between Eccles and Rygielska began with intense exchanges as the British boxer wanted revenge after her 2022 European Championship quarter-final defeat to the Pole.
Although Rygielska hit the canvas, it wasn’t scored as an opening-round knockdown.
As the final round approached, Eccles appeared more active and believed she had control of the tight contest.
Rygielska received a point deduction for wilting and repeatedly breaking the rules.
When the final bell rang, Eccles thought she had secured victory anticipating an intriguing round-of-16 clash with Busenaz Surmeneli.
However, the judge’s split decision shocked everyone resulting in a 3-2 loss for Eccles.
Speaking after the fight an emotional Eccles said: “I knew I’d won the fight. I’m really, really shocked.
“I’ve given my whole life for a gold medal in the Olympics, or at least an Olympic medal to take home. I really would have been proud of that.”
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And fans were fuming with some sharing their reaction on social media.
One said: “Suspect result, a clear win for Rosie.”
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Adam Peaty will be the headline act for Team GB as he goes for gold in the final of the 100m breaststroke (8.50pm).
A lot of eyes will also be on LeBron James, Stephen Curry and the Team USA men’s basketball team, who start their campaign against Nikola Jokic and Serbia (11.15am ET / 4.15pm BST).
There are not expected to be too many other British medal tilts on Sunday, but the women’s gymnastics team (all day) are going through qualification as are the rowing teams (from 8am).
The both the men’s (vs South Africa, 7.15pm) and women’s hockey teams (vs Spain 12.15pm) are both in action.
American swimming stars Carson Foster and Tori Huske are among a multitude of stars joining Adam Peaty in the pool from around 7pm BST / 2pm ET.
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Another added: “Rosie was absolutely robbed.”
A third then said: “Shocking decision considering point deduction for opponent too.”
And even the glasses retail chain Specsavers said: “Can we speak to the judges please.”
BBC pundit Steven Bunce said: “I’m genuinely shocked. I’m stunned. I really did think she’d get it. That was a brutal outcome.”
Boos could be heard around the arena as many were bemused by the result.
Eccles will now miss out on the chance to secure an Olympic medal as the defeat has wiped her out of the competition.
