Revolutionizing Boxing Judging: The Mega Fight Between Usyk and Fury Could See a Six-Judge Panel

In an unprecedented move that could change the landscape of heavyweight boxing, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has unveiled a proposal to increase the number of judges from three to six for the highly anticipated mega fight between Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) and Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs). This suggestion comes in the wake of concerns over the consistency and reliability of boxing judging worldwide, highlighted by a recent event in Saudi Arabia where opinions on the winner varied significantly among the judges.

Sulaiman pointed out the disparities in judging as a critical flaw that threatens the integrity of the sport. "What we witnessed last week in Saudi Arabia is another example of how judging remains a weak link in boxing globally. We saw instances where different judges declared different fighters as the winner. Such disputes in the Fury-Usyk fight could potentially harm boxing," he expressed.

In response to these challenges, Sulaiman has approached the WBO, WBA, IBF, as well as Fury, Usyk, and their promoters, urging them to form a six-judge panel for their championship bout in Saudi Arabia. According to Sulaiman, this move requires unanimous approval from all parties involved for implementation. He suggests placing two judges on each side of the ring where cameras are not present to ensure a broader perspective on the fight.

"This proposition is grounded in the belief that fights, especially at the highest level, deserve such attention and scrutiny. I am now presenting this proposal to all sanctioning bodies, promoters, and fighters. It's something we all need to agree upon," stated Sulaiman.

This revolutionary proposal aims to enhance the fairness and transparency of boxing judging, potentially setting a new standard for major fights in the future.