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ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – MARCH 14: Saul Canelo Alvarez (L) and John Ryder (2R) pose with Enrique Alfaro, Governor of Jalisco (2L) during a press conference on their next fight at Akron Stadium on March 14, 2023 in Zapopan, Mexico. Canelo Alvarez will fight John Ryder on May 6, 12 years after his last combat in Mexico. The event will take place at Akron Stadium. (Photo by Alfredo Moya/Jam Media/Getty Images)
via Getty
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – MARCH 14: Saul Canelo Alvarez (L) and John Ryder (2R) pose with Enrique Alfaro, Governor of Jalisco (2L) during a press conference on their next fight at Akron Stadium on March 14, 2023 in Zapopan, Mexico. Canelo Alvarez will fight John Ryder on May 6, 12 years after his last combat in Mexico. The event will take place at Akron Stadium. (Photo by Alfredo Moya/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Steve Spark just got served the third defeat of his career at the hands of a local fighter, Gabriel Gollaz. Many fans expressed disappointment to see that Spark didn’t get his hands raised after the 10-round bout. The Aussie went all out in the early rounds and started with a bang as he threw a flurry of blows at Gollaz. Spark is well-known for his knack for early-round knockouts, but this time, his attempts were in vain as Gollaz showcased the might of his iron chin.
Spark threw many heavy punches throughout the fight but got knocked down in the sixth round by a body shot. It was a close undercard fight in the Canelo Alvarez vs. John Ryder event, and both fighters presented a great spectacle for the fans.
Matchroom Boxing, just before the result, posted a public poll to get their verdict on the decision of this bout. In that poll, 73.7% voted for Spark to win, but that wasn’t the case, per the judges.
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Who you got? 📮#GollazSpark #CaneloRyder
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) May 7, 2023
Only one judge scored in favor of Spark. The scorecards were reportedly 96-93 Gollaz, 95-94 Spark, and 95-94 Gollaz. Hence, Spark lost the bout by a split decision, and this made a lot of fans furious. Most boxing fans felt differently than the actual decision that was announced.
Fans react to the Canelo Alvarez vs. John Ryder undercard fight
One user called out the alleged bias in the judges’ decision because Gabriel Gollaz is their ‘hometown boy’ from Mexico.
Stevie Sparks got robbed. No way in Hell Canelo loses a decision if it goes to a decision. #CaneloRyder
— Ian Dmytriw (@IanDmytriw) May 7, 2023
Another fan didn’t agree with the scoring of the judges, calling it a “b*lls**t”, as he thought that Spark was clearly dominating the whole bout.
Some bullshit scoring. Spark was lighting him up all night #CaneloRyder
— Kevin Dolan (@TheSportsWolf83) May 7, 2023
One of the fans stated that boxing never ceases to amaze them because Spark easily won that bout.
Stevie Spark won that fight but boxing never fails to surprise… 🙃 #CaneloRyder
— Megan Trinh (@mtrinhtse) May 7, 2023
One user claimed that the judges did Spark “dirty”.
They did Stevie spark dirty… #GollazSpark #CaneloRyder
— ꪖ. 𝙽𝙰𝙽𝙾 🇲🇽 † 🇺🇸 (@NNNANOO) May 7, 2023
Lastly, one fan seeks “Justice for Spark”.
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Justice for Spark. #CaneloRyder
— WHO THE FOOK ARE THESE GUYS? (@WhoTheFookPod) May 7, 2023
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The fans disagree with the decision, as most boxing fans believe Spark was the clear winner of this bout. What are your thoughts about the Spark vs. Gollaz split decision? Tell us in the comments section below.
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