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.
