Eddie Hearn has weighed in on the latest decision that has got boxing fans on both sides of the Atlantic up in arms.
Dubious results have been an unfortunate theme in boxing since its inception, and a fresh addition was made to the sport’s ever growing list on the undercard of Richardson Hitchins vs Jose Zepeda in Florida on Saturday night.
Britain’s Sandy Ryan travelled to Orlando, putting her own title on the line to challenge for Jessica McCaskill’s unified welterweight world championship in a potentially career defining night.
The Brit out-boxed and out-thought a game McCaskill over 10, using good movement to avoid the worst of the American’s lunging attacks.
Despite almost all observers having Ryan in a handy lead by the time the final bell rang, the fight was stunningly scored as a split draw, with the announcement met by audible boos from the majority US crowd and calls of robbery online.
Hearn, who promoted the show at the Caribe Royal and represents both fighters, gave his thoughts on the debacle in an interview with Boxing Social.
“I represent both fighters, and it’s not Jessica McCaskill’s fault and she put up a great fight. But Sandy Ryan won the fight.
“97-93 to McCaskill is just weird, in all honesty. I feel for Sandy, I thought she boxed great, and Jessica put up a great fight as well.”
“We should be talking about what a great female fight that was tonight. I feel like judges take that opportunity away from a fighter, that life chaining moment. We’ll look to make a rematch, of course.”
“Even in the Conor Benn fight, the 96-94 card. I said to the judges, “what are you watching?” It’s frightening! But I believe Sandy Ryan deserved the victory tonight.”
Ryan has since took to social media to express her disappointment and desire to get an immediate rematch with McCaskill locked in.