October 4, 2011 - 13:35 AMT
ANOC: Baku won't go away with attack on Armenian boxers

The Armenian National Olympic Committee (ANOC) expressed displeasure over recent attack on Armenian boxers at Baku-hosted AIBA World Championships.

“Despite indignation over the incident, we have to show restraint, lest the rush might affect the performance of Armenian boxers. Upon Armenian delegation’s return and discovery of more detail, we’ll take relevant steps of which we’ll additionally inform the public,” ANOC official statement said.

Armenian boxers, participating in Baku-hosted AIBA World Championships, were attacked. A group of Karbakh Liberation Organization (KLO) supporters infiltrated the championship venue. As the Armenian boxer was entering the ring, their shouts “Armenians, get out!”, “Karabakh or death” were followed by a deluge of stones. The match was suspended. The Armenian boxer, judges and referee left the venue.

Andranik Hakobyan (75kg) remains the only Armenian, retaining a chance to win entry to 2012 London Olympics.

The remaining boxers, who dropped out of championship, have already returned to Armenia.