Boxing enthusiasts are still grappling with the aftermath of the much-awaited bout between Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin. Despite the high entertainment value, the event was not bereft of its fair share of controversies. The referee’s involvement in the match has sparked widespread debate among fans and experts.

However, one person who has remained relatively quiet about the referee’s performance is Jermaine Franklin himself. That is, until now. In a recent interview with IFL TV, Franklin opens up about his frustrations with the referee, and how it affected his performance in the ring. His candid comments shed light on a topic that many fans have been curious about and may offer some new insights into the highly debated subject of the referee’s role in boxing matches.

Franklin’s frustration with the referee

Jermaine Franklin, the heavyweight boxer, recently gave an interview to IFL TV after his loss to Anthony Joshua. During the interview, he expressed his frustration with the referee’s performance during the fight.

Franklin stated, “Honestly, he was pissing me off. Honestly, that kind of was the reason I was getting frustrated because I am like some of this shit is blatant, like you can blatantly see it.” He explained that he was getting collar tied and stiff armed, and it was making him angry because the referee was often on the same side where these fouls were occurring. Franklin even went as far as to lift his arm up and look at the ref a couple of times, trying to draw his attention to the situation.

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The boxer further elaborated, “When I do say something, you say you don’t see it, but tell me that I’m getting grabbed cause I’m slipping inside. That don’t give him the right to grab me. You’re supposed to bag up or reposition yourself.” Franklin felt that the referee was not doing his job properly, which led to him getting frustrated and out of his game plan. He stated, “It was like I was fighting two people in there.” Franklin’s words indicate that the referee’s actions may have played a significant role in his loss to Joshua.

The importance of fair refereeing in boxing matches

The interview with Franklin provides insight into the frustrations that boxers can experience when the referee is not doing his job properly. It highlights the importance of having competent officials in place to ensure a fair and safe fight for all involved. Franklin’s candor sheds light on an issue that is often overlooked in the sport of boxing, and it serves as a reminder that even the best athletes can be affected by outside factors beyond their control.

The conversation around the role of referees in boxing is an important one and one that requires ongoing attention and discussion. What are your thoughts on the issue? Should referees have more or less control in the ring?

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