Sulaiman’s Push for Change: Revamping Boxing's Judging System
As the anticipation builds for the historic showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on May 18, the specter of past scoring controversies looms large. With memories still fresh of the infamous Lennox Lewis-Evander Holyfield draw 25 years ago, boxing aficionados are wary of another disputed outcome tarnishing the sport's biggest stage. In the lead-up to Fury-Usyk, Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of the WBC, proposed a solution to mitigate scoring controversies: increasing the number of judges to five or six. While this proposal didn't materialize for the upcoming bout, Sulaiman's intentions to ensure a fair result are commendable. The idea of extra judges isn't new to boxing, but it sparks a myriad of questions and debates. Would more judges truly improve the accuracy of scoring? How would logistical challenges, such as space constraints at ringside, be addressed? And what criteria would determine which fights warrant additional judges? Reflecting on past fights, such as Lewis-Holyfield I and Devin Haney's contentious victory over Vasyl Lomachenko, raises doubts about the efficacy of simply adding more judges. While in some instances, extra judges might have corrected glaring errors, in others, it might not have changed the outcome significantly. Veteran boxing official Robert Hoyle suggests that addressing the root of scoring problems lies in better training for judges and reevaluating the 10-point-must system. He advocates for more flexibility in scoring rounds, allowing for wider margins and adjustments based on the level of dominance displayed by fighters. Hoyle also raises concerns about the practicalities of implementing extra judges, including the differing perspectives of ringside judges versus those watching remotely on monitors. While technology offers new possibilities, it also introduces its own set of challenges, such as potential biases in camera angles. Ultimately, the quest to reform boxing judging continues, fueled by a shared desire to uphold the integrity of the sport. As Sulaiman and others brainstorm solutions in 2024, the goal remains clear: to prevent future scoring controversies and ensure that fights are decided based on merit rather than subjective interpretations. In the end, whether it's the referee holding the "hot potato" of responsibility for boxers' safety or the judges tasked with determining the outcome, the stakes are high. But with concerted efforts to address scoring issues, the hope is that future bouts, including Fury-Usyk, will be remembered for the skill and valor displayed in the ring, rather than the controversies outside of it. #MauricioSulaiman #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #Boxing
