Boxing judges in Saudi Arabia have been accused of behaving like “snakes” after WBC middleweight world champion Carlos Adames was denied outright victory against Hamzah Sheeraz. Despite outboxing his challenger for much of the contest, the verdict was somehow deemed a draw.
The Dominican was up on one card by 118-110, which appeared to accurately reflect his dominance.
However, Sheehaz took a 115-114 verdict on another, with the third reading a 114-114 draw.
The fight in Riyadh, on the undercard of the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 clash, saw Adames hurt the British fighter in the eighth with a fierce right hand. And Sheeraz seemed to have little an answer to the way the champion worked the body.
But the verdict prompted fury, with @Ja4pf_ saying on X: “Adames just got robbed. How was that a draw? Sheeraz is a lucky man.” @mikeivory91 also used the term “robbed,” before adding: “One judge scored 118-110 to Sheeraz?”
Boxing trainer Peter Fury, uncle of former heavyweight champion Tyson, argued that an historic night had been spoiled. “Just made a great card go sour, snakes,” he said. @BuryEmBoxing ranted: ” I can’t believe what just happened. Hamzah’s own corner told him he needed a KO to win. I had it 118-110 for Carlos.”
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