Upon watching the controversial 12-round unanimous decision victory of Richardson Hitchins over Gustavo Lemos in their IBF light welterweight title eliminator, Devin Haney took to social media to express his disbelief. Using an emoji of a person covering their eyes, Haney’s reaction perfectly encapsulated the disappointment felt by many fans who witnessed the fight.
Hitchins’ strategy of excessive clinching and running throughout the fight raised eyebrows among spectators. His tactics, which included constant holding to prevent Lemos from mounting any offense, were deemed by many as crossing the line of fair play. This performance highlighted Hitchins’ lackluster approach to the bout and left many questioning the judges’ decision to award him the victory.
In defense of his fighter, Richardson Hitchins, promoter Eddie Hearn attempted to justify the judges’ scoring. Despite a questionable 117-111 scorecard in favor of Hitchins, Hearn argued that the closer 115-113 score reflected a competitive bout that could have gone either way. However, his attempt to downplay the controversy surrounding the fight did little to appease critics who believed that Lemos was unfairly treated.
Devin Haney’s public criticism of the fight and the judges’ decision shed light on the lack of accountability in boxing when it comes to fair judging. The questionable tactics employed by Hitchins and the subsequent victory cast a shadow over the integrity of the sport. It is essential for boxing organizations to address these issues and ensure that judges adhere to strict standards of scoring to maintain the credibility of the sport.
The controversial win by Richardson Hitchins over Gustavo Lemos served as a stark reminder of the flaws within the boxing industry. The lack of accountability for unfair tactics and questionable judging decisions diminishes the integrity of the sport. It is imperative for athletes, promoters, and organizations to uphold the principles of fair play and transparency to preserve the reputation of boxing for future generations.