Controversial Judges Assigned to Alvarez-Crawford Fight
Three judges who drew significant criticism after their scoring in Manny Pacquiao’s recent bout against Mario Barrios are set to officiate the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford on September 13, 2023, in Las Vegas. This decision has already sparked controversy among boxing fans and analysts, especially given how their previous scoring has been perceived as dubious.
Referee Assignment and Previous Controversy
Additionally, the Nevada State Athletic Commission has assigned Thomas Taylor to serve as referee for the Alvarez-Crawford matchup. Taylor previously presided over the Pacquiao-Barrios fight, where many spectators felt Pacquiao performed well enough to secure a victory, yet the match ended in a contentious majority draw—a result that many believed deprived the Filipino fighter of a historic win at 46 years of age.
After a hard-fought battle, the official scorecards reflected a split opinion: one judge scored it 115-113 in favor of Barrios, while two others had it deadlocked at 114-114. At the time, World Boxing News pointed out that the decision underscores the often unforgiving nature of boxing, highlighting how Pacquiao had seemingly done enough to win yet received another controversial outcome in his storied career. This result thwarted his chance to become the oldest welterweight champion in history, with critics alleging he was unjustly denied a rightful win.
Concerns Over Credibility and Fairness
As the anticipation builds for the Alvarez and Crawford fight, which is being branded as potentially the most significant clash in modern boxing, the selection of the same judges has led enthusiasts to voice concerns over their credibility. Critics argue that recycling officials from a contentious match raises questions of fairness in what should be a historic occasion.
This scenario serves as a painful reminder of the often unaccountable nature of boxing judges and their influence on a fighter’s legacy. For Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, the stakes are exceptionally high, as their battle could result in undisputed champion status or trigger yet another post-fight controversy. The ongoing scrutiny of judging standards remains a pressing issue within the sport.
About the Author
Phil Jay, a seasoned boxing journalist with over 15 years of expertise in the field, currently holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at World Boxing News. Since 2010, Jay has covered major boxing events around the globe and engaged with numerous world champions, cementing his reputation in combat sports journalism.
