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Controversy: Ward, blue, in action against Muzaffer during the Olympic qualifiers. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

London 2012: Joe Ward waits after last-gasp Olympic appeal

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) are expected to make a decision on Ward’s case this afternoon.

JOE WARD FACES an anxious wait to see if his dramatic 11th-hour appeal for a place at the Olympic Games has been successful.

The Moate boxer appeared in front of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) at a special sitting in London last night to argue for a place in the men’s light-heavyweight tournament at London 2012.

A decision on Ward’s case is expected around lunchtime this afternoon.

The 19-year-old’s Olympic dream came to a controversial end in Trabzon, Turkey in April when he was beaten in the London qualifiers by home fighter Bahram Muzaffer.

The Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) immediately contested that decision on the grounds that the fight had been scored unfairly but were not successful, nor did they have any luck with their efforts to parachute Ward into the tournament as a wildcard.

Speaking to reporters in London last night, Olympic Council of Ireland President Pat Hickey revealed that Ward made this latest appeal independently of both the OCI and the IABA.

Open thread: what do you hope to see at the Olympics over the coming months?

Video, photos: the first controversy of London 2012 Olympics

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    Mute Tensing Norgay
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    Jul 26th 2012, 9:47 AM

    Hope it will work , he is descent prospect for a medal!

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    Mute Popcorn
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    Jul 26th 2012, 10:31 AM

    Best of luck to the lad but if the IABA and the OCI are not on board I would not hold out much hope. Still seems odd that a current European Champ would not be going to the games.

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    Mute Owen Lynch
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    Jul 26th 2012, 9:49 AM

    Who ever advised him on this course of action is a fool.

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    Mute Dexter Gordon
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    Jul 26th 2012, 10:05 AM

    Why so?

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    Mute Brian Rogan
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    Jul 26th 2012, 10:52 AM

    So what would you have advised him to do Owen?

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    Mute David Hopkins
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    Jul 26th 2012, 10:54 AM

    Because he has no chance of winning the appeal. He’s a fantastic boxer but after his appeal directly after the fight was ignored he was never going to win this. He certainly was not entitled to a wildcard so all he can be appealing is the home town decision which as his original appeal followed due process, the CAS will rightfully uphold.

    Roll on Rio 2016!

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    Mute Brian Rogan
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    Jul 26th 2012, 10:54 AM

    Best of luck to him, he’s definately one to watch if he manages to get through.

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    Mute Dom Robinson
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    Jul 26th 2012, 3:46 PM

    Joe Ward deserves to be at the Olympics he is ranked 4 th in the world, is current European Champ and was clearly robbed of a just decision and reasonable appeal in Turkey, he should fight to the bitter end for an Olympic chance as he and his coach are doing now. Lets hope he gest some justice even at this late hour. The Olympic 81Kg catagory wouldnt be the same with out Joe Ward being there.

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    Mute Eoin Dixon Murphy
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    Jul 26th 2012, 11:08 AM

    What happened in Turkey? Was he scored unfairly, did he deserve to win and qualify?

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    Mute Paul Ryan
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    Jul 26th 2012, 12:06 PM
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    Mute jonny coyle
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    Jul 26th 2012, 3:37 PM

    any word yet on how the appeal went?

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    Mute Shane Farrell
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    Jul 26th 2012, 10:45 PM

    Why do we embarrass ourselves like this every four years? He deserved to be there but the Turks put paid to that. No need for charades now the day before. Haven’t we enough shite flinging about with our horses, that is a comedy.

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