Rosie Eccles’ Heartbreaking Loss
Team GB’s Rosie Eccles was left in tears after a controversial defeat to Poland’s Aneta Rygielska in the women’s 66kg division. The Welsh boxer, who missed the Tokyo Games three years ago due to illness and injury, was eliminated on a 3-2 split decision that surprised many in the North Paris Arena.
Controversial Decision and Crowd Reaction
The match was fraught with tension as Rygielska had a point deducted for holding, while the Canadian judge awarded the contest to Eccles by a four-point margin. The decision drew boos and jeers from the audience, who were visibly displeased with the outcome. Eccles, visibly emotional, struggled to comprehend the decision. She expressed her disbelief, stating, “I knew I had won the fight, so I am really, really shocked. It feels like I am in a dream right now, but not a great one.”
😞 Rosie is unlucky to be on the wrong end of an extremely tight 3:2 split decision versus Poland's Aneta Rygielska.
Forever an Olympian Rosie, we are so proud of you! 🇬🇧❤️ pic.twitter.com/OabZY6QmHn
— GB Boxing (@gbboxing) July 28, 2024
Impact on Team GB
This controversial defeat came less than 24 hours after Team GB colleague Charley Davison also suffered a contentious points defeat to Turkey’s Hatice Akbas in an opening bantamweight contest. Eccles’ loss adds to the string of disappointing and controversial outcomes for Team GB in the tournament.
Support and Gratitude
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Eccles expressed her gratitude towards her supporters, saying, “I don’t know what to say other than I’m really grateful to everyone that has helped get me here.” Her emotional response highlights the dedication and hard work she and her team have put into preparing for this competition.
The controversy surrounding Eccles’ defeat underscores the unpredictable nature of competitive boxing and brings attention to the need for clear and fair judging in the sport.
