By Jonny Stapleton

IRISH boxing legend Barry McGuigan claims some of the ‘shameful’ judging that took place in the final Olympic qualifier in Turkey will force amateur talents to turn pro.

The 1980 Olympian labelled Irish teenager Joe Ward’s 18-15 defeat to Turk Bahran Muzaffer  ‘appalling’ and expressed his disgust at the reverse.

Speaking about the passing of British 1956 gold medallist Terry Spinks in his Mirror column the former world champion said.

“What would Spinks have made of the disgraceful events at last week’s final Olympic qualifying tournament in Turkey. Joe Ward won two world titles as a junior, beat Beijing silver medallist Kenny Egan in the seniors, won European gold at light heavy, and still did not return from Turkey with qualification.

“He was robbed appallingly by the judges, who inexplicably scored the bout for his Turkish opponent. I have been on the wrong end of amateur judges myself. It is heartbreaking. If amateurs want any incentive to turn to the pr ranks its provided by judges like those we saw in Turkey. They shame our sport.”

Disapointed Joe Ward