The highly anticipated heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury has been hit by an eleventh-hour judging controversy. Just hours before the two titans are set to square off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, fight officials found themselves scrambling to replace a key member of the judging panel.
Fernando Barbosa, originally slated to be one of the three ringside judges for this monumental clash, was unable to make the trip to Riyadh due to a reported illness. This unexpected absence left organizers in a state of panic, forcing them to seek an emergency replacement to ensure the integrity of the officiating for one of the most significant heavyweight bouts in recent memory.
In a move that underscores the high stakes of this rematch, officials swiftly arranged for Steve Weisfeld, a respected judge from New Jersey, to be flown in at the last minute. Weisfeld, known for his experience and reliability in high-profile fights, arrived in Riyadh on Thursday evening, ready to step into the crucial role alongside the other appointed judges, Pat Morley from the United States and Gerardo Martinez from Puerto Rico.
However, the late substitution has not been without its share of controversy. Reports suggest that a dispute has erupted between the Usyk and Fury camps regarding the selection of Barbosa’s replacement. In an attempt to resolve the deadlock, Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, proposed an unorthodox solution, settling the matter with a coin toss.
They absurdly assigned an ESPN exec who moonlights as a boxing judge to score Usyk-Fury 2. Fernando Barbosa has been replaced by Steve Weisfeld, but here is my column on what could’ve been quite a controversial situation tomorrow in Riyadh (still might become one, of course).👇 https://t.co/i4QYtusvGb
— Keith Idec (@Idecboxing) December 21, 2024
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, a second judge, Ignacio Robles from Panama, was also flown in as a potential backup. This move has further fueled the debate between the two camps, with each side favoring a different replacement judge.
The judging controversy is just the latest in a series of pre-fight disputes that have characterized the build-up to this rematch. Earlier disagreements included debates over the length of Fury’s beard and the positioning of shorts, highlighting the intense scrutiny and high stakes surrounding every aspect of this bout.
In an intriguing twist that speaks to the evolving landscape of sports officiating, this fight will also feature, for the first time ever, an AI judge as a “4th Judge”. While this technological addition will not impact the official scoring, it represents a fascinating step towards potential future innovations in boxing officiating.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 to feature AI-powered judging for first time ever https://t.co/qHla7Gykg8 pic.twitter.com/HPmIoCXMSc
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 18, 2024
As fight night approaches, the focus inevitably shifts back to the two men at the center of this spectacle. Usyk, looking to cement his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of his generation, faces a determined Fury, eager to reclaim his status as the division’s top dog after suffering his first professional loss in their initial encounter.
The judging panel’s composition, now finalized after this unexpected drama, will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of what promises to be an epic clash. With both fighters known for their contrasting styles and strategic acumen, the judges’ ability to accurately score the bout could prove decisive in crowning the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
As the boxing world holds its breath for this monumental rematch, the last-minute judging controversy serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. It adds yet another compelling storyline to an already captivating narrative, ensuring that every aspect of this fight – from the first bell to the final scorecard – will be scrutinized with unprecedented intensity.
