SIX IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
SINCE the early 80s, I have been a keen follower and supporter of the noble art. While I continue to love boxing, I am growing tired of defending it.
The latest in a long line of bad calls, is the ridiculously early stoppage by Tony Weeks of the Rolly Romeroismael Barroso fight. This call wasn’t just controversial, it borders on suspicions of corruption. There are several questions that need answering by the powers that be:
1. Why is Albert Puello being called a ‘champion in recess’ for failing a drugs test for clomiphene? He should be stripped and banned.
2. Why wasn’t Botirzhon Akhmedov given another shot at the WBA belt, given he only lost a split verdict to Puello last time out? He was even featured on the undercard, so he was ready.
3. What qualifications did Rolly Romero have for fighting for the WBA 140lbs title in the first place? He hadn’t fought since losing to Gervonta Davis nearly 12 months previously and has NEVER beaten a world ranked fighter at 140.
4. Why was the knockdown against Barroso called, seeing as it was clear to all concerned that he was pushed to the canvas?
5. The big question – why did Tony Weeks stop the fight? Not only was Barroso fighting back, but he was the one landing punches when Romero was not. He wasn’t groggy and he was still defending himself.
6. Why haven’t the NSAC issued a statement about the outcome, or ordered an investigation into Tony Weeks?
We should spare a thought for Ismael Barroso, who has consistently fought against the odds. He won an eliminator over here against Kevin Mitchell and listening to a podcast by the excellent Paulie Malignaggi, I found out he once won a fight in the States after being told his wife had been murdered just days before in Venezuela. If anyone deserves a break, its Barroso. At the very least, the WBA should order an immediate rematch and Premier Boxing Champions should give Barroso adequate time to prepare. This would appear unlikely, as it does not suit PBC’S agenda.
We’ve had a slew of controversial early stoppage calls in the past like Dokesweaver I, Tyson-ruddock I, Froch-groves I and Calzaghe-manfredo. The Davisfrancisco Fonseca rabbit punch finish also springs to mind, but this one is not simply controversial, it’s blatant!
Paul Wickes
CLARKE & WARDLEY DESERVE BETTER
I DESPAIR at how hard it is just to make a fight these days. The Wardley-clarke saga was embarrassing from start to finish. If we can't make British title fights, what hope is there?
Ellis Hughes
Maxi Hughes (Lightweight contender) Not only the fighters are robbed of it, but the UK fans too. It would have been a big domestic fight. I feel for both fighters. I think the whole scenario has just been a bit of a shambles whether it’s down to the promoters or the management. Things like that can’t continue in boxing, taking opportunities away from the fighters.
Declan Taylor (Sports journalist) Absolutely hated it. I actually understand Boxxer’s position here but it’s a terrible look for everyone. Frazer Clarke is the fighter, if he wants to fight for the British title and pick up a huge pay day after the Board have mandated him, then he should be allowed to. Big fights not happening even when the fighters want them is what is killing this sport.
Hannah Rankin (Super-welter contender)
I feel this was always going to be difficult to finalise with both fighters being on opposite promotional teams. However, I do think this now means Clarke will need to be in meaningful fights for the rest of 2023 in the lead up to this fight hopefully happening in the near future.
Kevin Maree (Boxing manager) There’s a lot goes on behind the scenes that people don’t know about. Everybody is looking out for the best interests of their boxers which means sometimes these fights end break down. Unfortunately, in this instance people decided it wasn’t in the best interests of a fighter to go down that road and that’s got to be respected.