FURY: BAD JUDGES ARE RUINING LIVES
Hughie brands decision ‘disgusting’ as Parker gets nod in controversial heavyweight clash
DISTRAUGHT Hughie Fury accused the judges of “ruining people’s lives” after he was denied his world title dream. Fury lost a majority decision to WBO heavyweight champ Joseph Parker and was appalled by UK judge Terry O’Connor and American John Madfis scoring the contest 118-110 to the Kiwi. The third judge, American Rocky Young, had the fighters level at 114-114, but Fury was adamant he won the fight. The 6ft 6in Briton struggled to contain his emotions when he spoke in the dressing room, ending his press conference after just 40 seconds. “It was disgusting,” he fumed after his first pro loss. “What else can I say? They are ruining people’s lives. “I don’t think the scoring was right at all. I don’t know. All I can say is what is done is done. I thought I won the fight easy. I’ve had enough talking, that will do.” Fury, 23, dreamed of emulating cousin Tyson by claiming the WBO crown and the former heavyweight king (above) raged at officials in the ring when the decision was announced. Fury’s father and trainer Peter also felt robbed and questioned the British Boxing Board of Control’s decision to make O’Connor a judge after Parker’s camp protested against him being referee.
“I thought the scorecards were ridiculous, especially Terry O’Connor’s,” said Peter.
“He’s had some stick from the Board of Control, they switched him over. He must have thought the pressure is on him and did it that way. I’m not amused with the scores at all.
“The judges were under real pressure. Parker has come over here, everyone is thinking he will get a raw deal, and it’s had an effect on the judges.
“My son should be sitting today crowned as world champion, but he’s not because of political influences. They were too keen to be seen to be doing the right thing.” Promoter Mick Hennessy compared Fury’s movement to Muhammad Ali and vowed to challenge the decision.
Any appeal is doomed to fail without evidence of wrongdoing, and most neutral observers ringside at Manchester Arena felt Parker won. Fury simply did not land enough as he attempted to fight behind his jab on the back foot.
His hit-and-run tactics just did not impress the judges and Parker was the more aggressive boxer as he repeatedly took the fight to the challenger.
The win introduced Parker to the UK and his team are already in talks with Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn over a huge unification clash at Wembley in July.
Parker, 25, sees flaws in Joshua and said: “He’s a good champion, but I’m sure I can bring out his weaknesses.”