Eddie Hearn has weighed in on Rolando Romero’s controversial stoppage win over Ismael Barroso to pick up the WBA light welterweight world title last weekend.
Referee Tony Weeks’ decision to wave the contest off in the ninth round has faced near universal condemnation from the boxing world over the past few days, with the consensus amongst observers being that Barroso was perfectly fine to continue.
When asked by Boxing Social about Weeks’ call, Hearn admitted it was right up there with the worst stoppages he’s witnessed throughout his time in the sport.
“Horrendous. He [Romero] was losing the fight and Barroso is towards the latter stages of his career.”
It was one of the worst stoppages I have ever seen”
Despite being a wide underdog with the bookmakers, 40 year old Barroso was comfortably getting the better of the younger Romero and looked to be well on his way to be crowned world champion in Las Vegas.
The bout was for the WBA world championship, after previous champion Alberto Puello tested positive for Clomifine and was named “champion in recess.
Romero was regarded as incredibly fortunate by most to land a title shot, given he has campaigned mainly as a lightweight throughout his professional career and suffered a loss in his last bout.
That came against pay per view star Gervonta Davis last May, who finished ‘Rolly’ in the sixth round with a vintage counter left hand.
Britain’s Ohara Davies could be next in line for a shot at the strap, with the WBA previously ordering that the winner on Saturday night would have to defend their title within 120 days against the brash Londoner.