In the lead-up to the first fight in May, which was for the undisputed world title, Sulaiman had urged the authorities to consider introducing video replays as well as additional ringside judges. His logic was based on limiting the margin for error in such an enormous fight that was expected to be close.
As it turned out, Sulaiman’s reasoning was justified. Usyk won an all-time classic by split decision in Riyadh to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years. Most agree that it was the right decision – even if Fury maintains he won the fight – but it was as close as the scorecards suggested.
However, there has been debate over whether Usyk should have been awarded the knockout victory in the ninth round. The Ukrainian had Fury in serious trouble and looked to have knocked him out on his feet, only for the ‘Gypsy King’ to stumble into a neutral corner to earn a standing eight count and save himself from the stoppage. Video replay could have been used to resolve the issue live.
WBC ‘Pushing’ For Replays For Usyk v Fury II
Video replay has been in existence with the WBC since 2008 but has rarely been put into use, mainly due to resistance from boxing authorities. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC), for instance, has rejected its implementation, believing live replays are not an adequate method to overturn a referee’s decision.
It also poses a problem for the wait time; if a decision takes a couple of minutes to make, it could alter the course of a fight if a fighter is given sufficient time to recover from a potential knockdown or knockout.
“Video replay is a rule that the WBC has had for a few years but it is a complicated situation with the BBBoC as they do not accept its use,” Sulaiman told TalkSPORT. “However, during the rules meetings of the last fight between Fury and Usyk we demanded that the video replay be used for the WBC’s sake. We will be pushing for it in the rematch and every fight we are involved in.”
The BBofC was the authority in charge of the Usyk v Fury undercard, but the main event was fought under the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission, opening the door for video replays possibly being introduced for the December 21 rematch.
Replays Used In Martinez v Edwards
“The Middle East Professional Boxing Commission was the local authority and the BBBoC had a lot of influence over them so they were claiming not to have it [instant replay],” Sulaiman said. “But in the end, the WBC made it clear that if there was absolute evidence of a major controversy then we would reserve the right to make our own decision using the big screen and correct the ruling.
“For the WBC it was in place but not for the others. We want it to be recognized by everyone involved with proper protocol and a proper system.”
One high-profile incident where the video replay was activated and put to good use was in the 2019 WBC flyweight world title fight between Charlie Edwards and Julio Cesar Martinez. The Mexican was awarded a knockout victory before a review of the replays showed he had landed an illegal blow, with Edwards already on his knee. The result was then overturned to a no contest.
Sulaiman also revealed that the WBC will also renew calls for six ringside judges for the rematch.
News
Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori responds to lawsuit claiming she sent porn to Yeezy staff, including minors
Kanye West‘s wife Bianca Censori has denied claims she sent porn to Yeezy staff, including minors. A federal lawsuit filed in California claimed that Censori, 29, sent an employee a link to ‘hardcore’ sexual content after her husband announced the launch of his adult film business,…
Franck Bruno says the ‘best fighter’ he faced is Mike Tyson: ”Mike Tyson had it all, the hunger to win the belts, to fight, to move and determination to take anybody down that crossed him at his peak. He knew the quicker he could get rid of his opponent the less chance he would get caught and he was determined to get rid of his opponents quickly.”
Former heavyweight world champion and British fan-favourite, Frank Bruno, revealed the best fighter that he has ever stepped into the ring with after a forty-five fight career that spanned over fourteen years. Bruno was recognised as one of the division’s…
Iron Mike’s Secret: The Fear That Lurked Behind Boxing’s Most Intimidating Entrance
Mike Tyson is an enigma is every sense of the word. The guy once known as The Baddest Man on the Planet shot to fame after becoming the youngest ever heavyweight champion in history at just 20 years old. With…
Mike Tyson’s five most incredible knockouts revealed including destroying undefeated Michael Spinks in 91 second blitz
MIKE TYSON was so dangerous in the ring that even he is scared of the man he used to be. The American, 54, dominated the world of boxing after he was crowned the youngest heavyweight world champion in 1986, aged…
George Foreman reveals why he never fought Mike Tyson and wanted nothing to do with the ‘monster’ boxer
GEORGE FOREMAN branded Mike Tyson a “monster” as he revealed why he did not want to step into the ring with his rival. The two-time heavyweight champion was tipped to fight the Baddest Man on the Planet when he made…
Mike Tyson believes a normal person can take his punches if they ‘don’t fear death’ and says he was a ‘nervous’ fighter
BOXING legend Mike Tyson has revealed how a “normal person” could take one of his punches if they had no fear of death. Iron Mike was considered one of the most brutal and hardest hitters in the sport after being…
End of content
No more pages to load