The Middleweight class in the boxing competition was the third-highest weight class. Middleweights were limited to those boxers weighing a maximum of 75 kilograms (165.3 lbs). 22 boxers qualified for this category. Like all Olympic boxing events, the competition was a straight single-elimination tournament. Both semifinal losers were awarded bronze medals, so no boxers competed again after their first loss. Bouts consisted of six rounds each. Five judges scored each bout.[1]
Finnegan was unable to produce a urine sample immediately after the bout for the compulsory drugs test. He drank copious amounts of beer and water, to no effect. Finnegan then attended a local restaurant for a victory meal, where, at 1:40 am, he was able to produce a sample, which proved negative.[2]
Schedule
Date
Round
Tuesday, October 15, 1968
First round
Thursday, October 17, 1968
Second round
Tuesday, October 22, 1968
Quarterfinals
Thursday, October 24, 1968
Semifinals
Saturday, October 26, 1968
Final Bout
Preliminaries
Since boxer George Aidoo from Ghana could not compete, a new draw was made after the preliminary bouts. Simeon Georgiev from Bulgaria drew a bye.
1904: 145–158 lb (65.8–71.7 kg) · 1908: 140–158 lb (63.5–71.7 kg) · 1920–1936: 147–160 lb (66.7–72.6 kg) · 1948: 67–73 kg · 1952–2000: 71–75 kg · 2004–2012: 69–75 kg · 2016–2020: 70–75 kg · 2024–: 72–80 kg
