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via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 05: George Kambosos Jnr inside the ring before his World Lightweight Undisputed Championship fight with Devin Haney, at Marvel Stadium on June 05, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
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via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 05: George Kambosos Jnr inside the ring before his World Lightweight Undisputed Championship fight with Devin Haney, at Marvel Stadium on June 05, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Australia’s former unified lightweight world champion, George Kambosos, returned to the ring determined to get back into the title picture after back-to-back defeats to Devin Haney. Stepping into the ring against Maxi Hughes, Kambosos aimed to make a statement and get his career back on track. However, what followed was a hard-fought battle that ended in a controversial split decision.
Despite being the underdog, Hughes showcased his skills early in the match, dominating the opening rounds and posing a serious challenge to the Australian champion. As the fight progressed, Kambosos fought back with determination, working his way into the bout, and ultimately ending Hughes’ impressive seven-fight winning streak. However, the drama surrounding this fight did not end there.
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Split decision sparks controversy: Fans question George Kambosos’ win against Hughes
When the final bell rang, the judges’ scorecards displayed mixed results, with one scoring the bout a draw (114-114), while two others ruled in favor of Kambosos (115-113 and 117-111). Moreover, the lopsided scorecard of 117-111 sparked outrage among boxing enthusiasts.
ICYMI overnight…
Maxi Hughes was on the wrong end of a massively controversial decision against former undisputed lightweight champ George Kambosos in Oklahoma.
Many people believed Hughes had won however the judges scored it 114-114, 117-111 & 115-113.#KambososHughes pic.twitter.com/xCEk74itlZ
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) July 23, 2023
In addition, outrage over the controversial decision reverberated across social media and boxing forums. Many fans took to Twitter and other platforms to voice their dissatisfaction with the judges’ scoring and their perceived lack of fairness in the outcome.
A user named Ryan Williams urged the Aussie champion to give Huges a rematch.
@georgekambosos make this right and give him a rematch…
— Ryan Williams (@wr415) July 23, 2023
Another user deemed the decision as ‘disgusting’. He also wanted an investigation to be conducted to bring justice to Huges.
Absolutely disgusting! Maxi won! There should be an investigation into who is responsible! #robbery
— SHORTY (@SIIORTYY) July 23, 2023
A user named Cassi Pelucci also thought that this was the wrong decision.
WRONG DECISION !
— Cassi Pelucci (@CassiPelucci1) July 23, 2023
Read More: George Kambosos to Rising Boxing Star: Earn Your Stripes First!
Moreover, a user called this a bad night for boxing and hoped Huges got a rematch. Despite this, a silver lining for him was the commentary team calling out the judges for their scorecards.
George Kambozzo winning on a Top Wank Show, boxing like he’s already seen the score cards??
Another BAD night for boxing. Hope Maxi gets the rematch but then again we’ve heard it all before… nice to hear the commentary team naming the corrupt judges, DISGRACE!!— Landlord (@scarff_s) July 23, 2023
However, a fan defended Kambosos claiming that he won fair and square. He also urged others to see fights of Anthony Joshua where he edged out close decisions.
If I was English I’d be embarrassed by the comments @georgekambosos won fair and square! Go back and look at some of AJs fights if you’re a boxing fan 😉
— norman macdonald (@Revstormie07101) July 23, 2023
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The split decision and the contentious scorecards left fans incensed, as many believed that Maxi Hughes had done enough to secure the victory. The outcry from fans highlights a recurring issue in boxing, where controversial decisions continue to mar the sport’s reputation.
This instance is not an isolated one as several high-profile fights have been overshadowed by questionable judging. Moreover, fans and analysts alike are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the sport, demanding that steps be taken to ensure fair and just outcomes in every bout. By addressing the ongoing concerns surrounding scoring in the sport, boxing can uphold its reputation as a showcase of skill and true sportsmanship.
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What did you think about the scoring for this controversial bout? Let us know in the comments.
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