THERE were some questionable calls and controversies across the weekend. From Belfast to Bournemouth, New York to Puerto Rico, we cast an eye over who got it right and who needs to have a sit down and think about what they’ve done in our list of winners and losers.
Boxing winners of the week
Lamont Roach –
Dismissed by some in the media and wider boxing fanbase, Roach saw his big chance on the big stage and arguably took it. His punching power, discipline and ability to rumble inside with Gervonta Davis made it a hard night’s work, securing further paydays.
Craig Richards –
‘Spider’ travelled over to Belfast as very much the away man, taking on well-supported Irishman Padraig McCrory. Richards showed patience early on and turned the screw as the fight moved on. The final body shot was a classy punch. Typical of a man who has gone the distance with Dmitry Bivol.
Steven Ward –
The battle of Belfast sparring hands and former amateur rivals ended in Ward come out on top over Tommy McCarthy. Ward seemed more motivated and up for the task from the start, starching a lethargic McCarthy in six to reignite his career.
Gary Antuanne Russell –
There was plenty of emotion in the Russell corner as the memory of their late father loomed large. Russell shook off a loss to Alberto Puello by laying a one-sided beating on Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela to claim world honours.
Elif Nur Turhan –
The unknown Turkish fighter arrived in Belfast expected to engage in a firefight with Shauna Browne. It’s to her credit that that kind of contest never materialised. Turhan caught Browne with a quality left hand that sent the Irishwoman’s senses scrambling and promoter Eddie Hearn calling for a Caroline Dubois fight.
Boxing losers of the week
Gervonta Davis –
Nothing like the ‘Tank’ of old, this plodding version was unable to get to grips with Roach who grew into the fight and looked like the more capable man at the end. Davis never felt fully in control and Roach sensed it. Just a week after Shakur Stevenson toiled with Josh Padley, the Baltimore basher could’ve sent out a statement rather than this chatter-filled display of petulance.
Terry O’Connor –
Not a great weekend for the officials as Terry managed to find a 98-92 scorecard to Mace Ruegg over Liam Dillon in Bournemouth. Mark Bates and Lee Every thankfully saw a truer reflection of the action, awarding the fight to Dillon 96-94 apiece.
Marcus McDonnell –
If Paddy Donovan or anyone from Limerick got a vote, veteran British referee McDonnell would surely be top of the list. Paddy had two points deducted for illegal head use before he was thrown out for hitting after the bell.
Steve Willis –
Usually more than just a funny face, meme-worthy referee Willis caused some dramatic raising of the eyebrow when he allowed Gervonta Davis to micro-manage him in New York. Davis took a knee when suffering from an eye complaint caused by his hair braids. Willis allowed this and earlier warned Roach after Davis had shouldered him in the chin!
