Mar 15 2024 News

WBC President Pushes for Six Judges in Fury-Usyk Showdown

In an effort to address recent controversies in boxing officiating, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman is advocating for a significant change ahead of the highly anticipated heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury on May 18. Following a contentious decision in a recent title fight, Sulaiman is proposing the implementation of a six-judge panel for the Fury-Usyk showdown in Saudi Arabia. Sulaiman's push for six judges stems from concerns over the fragility of officiating in the sport, highlighted by a recent split draw between Rey Vargas and Nick Ball, despite Ball scoring knockdowns in crucial rounds. Such controversies, Sulaiman argues, can significantly impact the integrity of boxing and must be addressed to prevent further damage to the sport's reputation. The proposal for a six-judge panel is aimed at minimizing the effect of a single judge's questionable scorecard, thus reducing the likelihood of controversial outcomes in high-profile fights. Sulaiman has distributed an emergency petition to the WBO, WBA, IBF, Fury, Usyk, and their respective promoters, urging them to consider this change for the upcoming championship bout. While Sulaiman acknowledges that past suggestions for multiple judges have been met with resistance, he remains hopeful that introducing the six-judge panel for a "major, major fight" like Fury-Usyk will pave the way for its adoption in future boxing events. However, the proposal's acceptance is contingent upon approval from all parties involved, including the fighters and sanctioning bodies.   According to Sulaiman, each side of the ring where broadcasters are not seated would have two judges stationed, ensuring a fair and balanced assessment of the fight. Despite the potential logistical challenges and resistance to change, Sulaiman emphasizes the importance of collective agreement among stakeholders to implement this measure effectively. As the boxing world awaits a formal response from both Fury and Usyk regarding the proposed six-judge panel, the debate surrounding officiating reforms continues. With the integrity of the sport at stake, Sulaiman's initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and fairness in boxing adjudication. #MauricioSulaiman #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #Boxing #WBC #Officiating #Judges