Not many big-fight cards go by without some controversy over scorecards and that included the bill topped by Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov this weekend.
The subjective nature of scoring a fight can often lead to cards that fans and fighters believe don’t fully represent the action. With three judges all giving their view, a close-run contest can often sometimes look very different because of a swing of just a round or two either way.
This past weekend, that issue raised its head twice on the same card. In one fight, former two-weight undisputed champion Crawford moved up to 154 lbs and won a world title in a fourth division at the first time of asking against the naturally bigger man in Madrimov.
It was a close 12-rounder with plenty of success for both men but, once the final bell rang, it was Crawford who won with the scorecards reading 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 all in his favour.
Further down the card, Andy Ruiz and Jarrell Miller battled it out at heavyweight – scored 116-112 to Miller, 114-114 and 114-114 to make it a majority draw.
After a quick start from Ruiz and a slow one from Miller, the former unified champion looked to have the momentum. Just three or four rounds in, however, and he began to gas visibly as Miller hit his stride and scored impressively with work the the body. He was undoubtedly the aggressor for the majority and, from the fifth onwards, outlanded Ruiz considerably.
Trainer turned pundit Teddy Atlas posted his views on X, saying the decision – which he disagrees with strongly – proves why boxing needs a National Commission.
“Disgraceful decision for Miller-Ruiz fight should be Exhibit A on why we need National Commission. Miller won. Eliminate the corruption.”
Disgraceful decision of Miller- Ruiz fight should be exhibit A on why we need National Commission. Miller won. Eliminate the corruption. #RiyadhSeason#CrawfordMadrimovpic.twitter.com/z9gTU3C3H7
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) August 4, 2024
Atlas has been consistent in his calling out of poor or ‘corrupt’ judging, which is all too common an occurrence in the sport.
