The boxing squad of Team USA has been on an elimination spree in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Out of the eight boxers on the team, Roscoe Hill, Joshua Edwards, and Jajaira Gonzalez are already eliminated from the 2024 Paris Olympics. While Alyssa Mendoza secured a 3-2 win against Tajikistan’s Mijgona Samadova, the other 4 boxers have not competed yet. Hill’s split-decision loss to Frenchman Billal Bennama has been a topic of discussion between boxing pundits and fans online.  

The 2024 Olympic judging jury for boxing has come under fire for not rendering a fair verdict. Boxer Rosie Eccles of Great Britain lost to Aneta Rygielska of Poland, even though Rygielska forfeited points for violating the rules. It was also predicted that Eccles would be the obvious winner. Do you think a second look at the judge’s ruling in Roscoe Hill’s fight is necessary? Let’s look at the opinions of a seasoned boxing journalist. 

Veteran boxing journalist Keith Idec stated that 2 judges scored the third round for Bennama, which Hill clearly won. Bennama was ruled the winner of the 16-round flyweight contest with a score of 3-2. Idec explained the scores and wrote, “3 judges scored the 2nd & 3rd rounds for Hill, but he still lost 29-28, 29-28, 28-29, 28-29 & 28-29.”

In another tweet, the seasoned writer mentioned that Bennama definitely won the first round. However, he believes Hill won a competitive 2nd round, and undoubtedly won the 3rd one. Idec further quoted his disappointment and wrote, “So tough to invest 4 years of your life into something, only to succumb to luck of the draw & subjective scoring.” 

Idec may hold a biased viewpoint. However, other seasoned veterans of the boxing community share the same sentiments. Let’s explore what they had to add!

Roscoe Hill receives warm applause!

USA Boxing posted about Hill’s loss on Instagram, and its caption read, “Roscoe Hill gave it everything he had today but fell short in a close battle against France. We are so proud of Roscoe for representing the USA on the world’s biggest stage.” However, former IBF cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham expressed his dissatisfaction and commented, “Ain’t no way France beating the USA team …. The corruption.”  

Furthermore, BoxingScene’s Lucas Ketelle tweeted, “Though flyweight Roscoe Hill shouldn’t be eliminated, he is. He lost a bad decision to Billal Bennama. Hill, to me, won the 2nd and 3rd round. Alyssa Mendoza fights in one hour. USA Boxing now have five fighters left.” 

Meanwhile, Rosie Eccles’ split decision loss first sparked an outrage online about how her win had been “robbed” of her. And now a similar view is held of Hill’s defeat as well.

Do you believe that this has to be investigated? Meanwhile, what do you think about the judges’ decision on Hill’s fight? Pen down your opinions about it in the comments section below.