July 30th, 2022, featured one of the most controversial fights ever seen inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. American Gary Antuanne Russell landed a direct blow to Cuban Rances Barthelemy, knocking him to the canvas.
All the boxing predictions showed Russel as the best option. Still, in reality, the fight had been a veritable feast of punches, and many considered the referee’s decision completely unfair and meaningless. Although it was a blow considered minimal, the referee abruptly stopped the fight in the sixth round, declaring Russell the winner.
What Affected the Referee’s Decision?
Shada Murdaugh was regulating the fight between the fighters by the time the battle had escalated quite a bit. By the sixth round, both fighters were at their best, with a tilt towards Russell.
The sixth round started as if nothing had happened. However, in the middle of the round, a right punch from Russell landed on Barthelemy, sending him straight to the canvas. The referee immediately gave the regulatory count of protection, while Barthelemy, who was already composed, took advantage of the 10 seconds to rest before standing up.
Although several boxers widely use this practice to make their opponent lose the rhythm and to have a break in the middle of the round, the surprise came when the referee mistakenly considered that Barthelemy was hurt. This fact served as a definitive reason to end the fight.
Protests by Barthelemy’s Team and the Crowd
The response to Murdaugh’s decision didn’t wait for a second to be discussed by both Barthelemy’s team and the crowd watching the fight.
The boxer’s entire team protested the decision, as it was shown seconds later that Barthelemy was fit to continue. In fact, the fighter had no symptoms of concussion or dizziness, indicating that if the fight had not been stopped, he could’ve continued without any problem.
For their part, the crowd loudly protested the referee’s mistake, as the fight had been a real feast of punches. The match was entertaining enough to keep the crowd excited, and the decision disappointed those who’d hoped for a better outcome in the fight.
Barthelemy Was Upset With the Referee’s Decision
The boxer’s statements weren’t long in coming, and he blamed the referee’s decision for stopping the fight. He said: “No, they shouldn’t have stopped it. I felt good. It was a good shot. I do not deny that, but they shouldn’t have stopped it. I got up and told him I was fine and good to go. Of course, I want the rematch with a different referee.”
Apparently, the decision left a mark on the boxer, who described it as “devastating”. He indicated that the situation wasn’t Russell’s fault and that, on the contrary, he tells the referee had treated him like a rookie instead of the two times world champion that he is.
Barthelemy Is Asking for a Rematch, but With a Different Referee
The Cuban team strongly protested the decision, considering that it had been a mistake and that it should be corrected immediately. To that end, they requested a rematch with a different referee.
However, it’s unlikely that this request will be heeded since many considered the referee’s decision correct.
Russel’s Post-fight Statement
For his part, Russell stated to the press, indicating that the referee’s decision was correct. Barthelemy was already hurt after several direct blows, and although he is an excellent boxer, the referee was only doing his job.
Russell implied that Barthelemy was a true warrior and that, although emotions were running high and he wanted to continue, the fight had to be stopped for his safety. He finally clarified that the match would’ve had the same outcome if the fight hadn’t been stopped.
Although there’s no final statement on the decision, what’s certain is that it influenced the records of both boxers: the decision dropped Barthelemy’s record to 29-2-1 with 15 wins by knockout. Russell improved his record to 16-0, maintaining a perfect record with all his wins coming by knockout.
