Former World Champion Sarita Devi on Sunday crashed out of the ongoing AIBA World Boxing Championship here after going down to her Irish counterpart Kellie Anne Harrington by a split decision from the match officials.
A disappointed Sarita, however, alleged that it was the wrong decision from the match officials that cost her a quarterfinal berth in the event.
'The decision was extremely disappointing but nothing can be done now. However, none can stop me from playing boxing. I have never given up and nor will do so," Sarita told reporters.
The 36-year-old started the match as a firm favourite and used all her experience to clinch the first round against her much-younger Irish opponent, Harrington.
The second round saw Harrington making a strong comeback, and despite Sarita landing some good punches, it was former who ended the round on a high.
The third and the final round, however, stoked controversy as a split decision (3:2) saw a close finish from Harrington, that ended in a disappointment for Sarita and the home fans present in the stadium.
"The decision should have gone in my favour. However, the referee adjudged her as the winner. Even in the past, I protested against the unfair refereeing," Sarita said while referring to the incident in 2014 when she refused her Asian Games Bronze medal in the Incheon Asian Games in 2014 after she lost to her Chinese opponent. Sarita was then suspended by the AIBA which was later lifted.
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