Aa the boxing world eagerly anticipates the clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, discussions have arisen regarding the potential introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology into the sport. Spencer Oliver, a prominent figure in boxing, has suggested that Fury’s showdown with Usyk could mark the debut of VAR in boxing ringsides.
While VAR has been a fixture in football since 2019, its potential implementation in boxing has stirred both excitement and controversy. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has advocated for the incorporation of video replay technology, citing the need for accurate decision-making in the face of contentious calls.
Oliver, speaking on White and Jordan, expressed his belief in the necessity of VAR, particularly in instances where illegal blows or disputed decisions could alter the outcome of fights. He referenced a notable incident involving Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk, where a controversial low-blow call affected the flow of the bout.
Addressing concerns from boxing fans, Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom voiced support for VAR’s introduction, emphasizing its potential to ensure fair and transparent outcomes, especially in high-stakes matchups. Shalom stressed the importance of investment and collaboration to integrate VAR effectively into boxing, echoing sentiments shared across various sports where technology has been embraced to enhance decision-making.
With the Fury vs. Usyk bout rescheduled for May 18 due to Fury’s injury in sparring, the discussion around VAR’s possible introduction adds an intriguing dimension to the anticipation surrounding the fight. As the sport continues to evolve, the prospect of VAR becoming a fixture in boxing represents a significant step toward enhancing fairness and credibility in the ring.