Fury vs. Usyk: WBC Prez Defends His 6 Judges Demand Amid Scathing Criticism

In the boxing world, controversy is no stranger. Remember the uproar after Wilder–Fury I? A draw that still debates fans. Now, as the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight looms, and that too for the undisputed Heavyweight status, a new controversy simmers. This time, it’s about judges. Six of them, suggests WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman.

Critics scoff. “More judges, more problems,” some say. But Sulaiman counters with logic and a dash of math. Why this insistence on change? Are we going to see more judges than usual sitting ringside on 18th May?

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk set to spur a revolution

Mauricio Sulaiman, the WBC President, has ignited a debate with his radical proposal: expanding the judges’ panel to six for the Fury vs. Usyk bout instead of the usual three. His conviction stems from a simple yet powerful premise: “The more judges score, the less probability of a bad score,” he argues. This idea isn’t just a whim; it’s rooted in Sulaiman’s vision to diminish the risk of controversial outcomes that have marred boxing’s history.

Critics, however, remain skeptical. One fan’s tweet encapsulates this dissent, questioning the feasibility of finding six competent judges when securing three is already a challenge. Sulaiman’s response was swift and pointed.

“Only a few got it right… it’s simple statistics. Boxing can’t afford a bad score or a controversial action ending the fight… there must be instant replay as well,” declared Sulaiman. This exchange underscores the tension between tradition and innovation within the sport.

Moreover, the WBC President emphasizes the need for instant replay technology, doubling down on his commitment to fairness. But what exactly did he say?

The statistical advantage, according to Sulaiman

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman champions a groundbreaking shift for the Fury vs. Usyk fight: increasing ringside officials from the traditional three to five or six. “That is my recommendation. We will see,” Sulaiman disclosed to Sky Sports, acknowledging the resistance within the boxing community to such changes. “Boxing is a sport in which change is very difficult to get. We’re purists, traditionalists. We don’t want changes,” he remarked, yet remained undeterred.

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Sulaiman’s proposal is backed by data from the WBC’s remote scoring system, demonstrating that more judges can significantly reduce the chances of erroneous decisions. “The more officials that score a fight, the less possibility of a wrong decision,” he explained, emphasizing the initiative’s intent to eradicate controversy in crucial matches.

Could this be the watershed moment that propels boxing into a new era of adjudication? How will these potential changes shape the future of the sport and its reception by fans worldwide?

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