Maloney Fury-ous at board decision

STV25th September, 2009

Promoter Frank Maloney has expressed his anger at the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) as the row continues over Tyson Fury's controversial English heavyweight title victory over John McDermott.

On Wednesday, the BBBofC ordered a rematch between the two fighters after Fury won McDermott's title despite appearing to be losing, a consensus held by the majority of spectators.

Scoring referee Terry O'Connor awarded the undefeated Fury the points verdict by a large margin with scores 98-92 in his favour.

Despite the controversy, the BBBofC, at a hearing in Cardiff, has allowed O'Connor to keep his position as a Class A Star referee, with the governing body making the decision "in light of the explanation and his record, ability and experience".

However, a Board notice admitted that "in everyone's view the contest was competitive and the outcome was controversial".

"The Board has also decided that, because the outcome of the contest was controversial, it will order a rematch. Purse bids are therefore called in short terms to be submitted to the Board by noon on Wednesday, October 14, with the contest to take place by the end of December."

McDermott's promoter Maloney was more concerned about the lack of action against O'Connor, who he he strongly criticised, claiming his fighter had been "robbed".

He said: "I think the decision is laughable. It sends out the wrong message about the sport of boxing and about our controlling body.

"To me it looked like a fixed deal before anyone even went into that meeting," said Maloney, who is believed to have suffered a mild heart attack at ringside during the fight.

Maloney was reprimanded for his comments at ringside on the night and added: "I made a point that I wouldn't want Terry O'Connor anywhere near an arena where I am promoting shows. Their response was that I can't pick my officials.

"I was reprimanded. I think the whole hearing was a joke and does no good for the general public's view of British boxing.

"Fury got the title through incompetent scoring and the rematch should have at least been put at 50-50 because I'm now at a disadvantage on the purse bids situation. Fury will get a 60-40 split of the purse bids which puts me at a disadvantage.

"I believe John wins the rematch as long as the referee knows how to score properly," he explained.

The decision by the Board in itself was somewhat controversial. Having ordered a rematch of the fight while allowing the original decision to stand the Board displayed a lack of commitment on their behalf in making a stand either for or against the final result of the heavyweight bout.