Judge Who Scored 118-110 For Canelo Suspended by NSAC
Looks like something is finally being done about the incompetent judging of Adelaide Byrd…
During a thrilling war this past weekend, boxing fans were treated to the best the sport has to offer. At the same time, the worst side of boxing emerged too. Having watched a fantastic fight, the mood immediately changed when the scores were read out.
Scoring the fight 118-110 for Canelo Alvarez, judge Adelaide Byrd sparked massive controversy. It wasn’t the fact she scored against Gennady Golovkin, it was the outrageous margin in which she did.
The bout was eventually scored a draw, as judge Dave Moretti scored the bout 115-113 for Golovkin, while Don Trella scored it 114-114. Pundits and fans alike cried corruption, and Byrd was suddenly public enemy number one.
With boxing’s image on the line, the actions of one judge had left a cloud over the sport. Looking back at some of her previous score lines, this is far from the first time.
NSAC Suspends Adelaide Byrd
Pending an investigation, Adelaide Byrd has been stood down from major fight duties by the NSAC. Mounting public pressure has seen director Bennett left with little other choices. Looking back at Byrd’s history with Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Alvarez is concerning, to say the least.
During his last five fights that went to a decision, Canelo has allegedly seen some ‘favorable scoring.’ Check it out, followed by Teddy Atlas’ furious reaction:
Boxing coach and doctor Teddy Atlas is literally fuming after Canelo vs. GGG. Here’s what Atlas said after the fight:
“Corruption in boxing,” Atlas said bluntly when asked on ESPN what he thought about the decision. “Follow the money. And no one else is going to say that in boxing, and some people are going to be very upset, and I don’t care. I don’t care if they’re upset.”
“There’s money to be made in the casino business, but there is an oversight board to make sure there is no corruption. There’s no oversight board in boxing,” an enraged Atlas shouted.
“There’s no commission. There’s no national commission. No federal guidelines. Nobody looking and saying, ‘Ah, can’t do that! Oh, can’t do that! You can’t be charge! Promoter can’t be in charge of who the judges are going to be! No, of course you want these judges. You can’t be in charge; we’re in charge. We’re going to oversee it, we’re going to police it, we’re going to make sure that there’s no corruption.’ There’s nothing.”
Considering GGG vs. Canelo was meant to revive boxing, this is almost the exact opposite effect. Basically being accused of protecting his prospect by illegal means, Oscar De La Hoya must be feeling the pressure right now.
Ironic that just months ago he was slamming Mayweather vs. McGregor for being greedy and illegitimate. Now after his dance on the big stage, boxing fans are talking about ‘Golden Boy’ in exactly the same way.