WBC under fire again over Fury vs Usyk and Canelo ‘protection’

The WBC is once again finding itself in the crosshairs of boxing fans and media outlets, facing heavy criticism on two fronts: the impending Fury vs Usyk clash and Canelo Alvarez’s choice of opponent for Cinco de Mayo.

Mauricio Sulaiman, the President of the WBC, is under scrutiny for proposing to have five or more judges for the delayed Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undisputed showdown on May 18. This move, purportedly to mitigate the risk of a controversial decision, has raised eyebrows within the boxing community. CompuBox spokesman Dan Cannobio expressed skepticism, highlighting the challenge of finding three competent judges, let alone more. Sulaiman defended the decision, citing statistical probabilities and the imperative to avoid contentious outcomes. However, critics argue that addressing the root causes of poor judging should take precedence over introducing additional judges, especially for a high-profile bout like Fury vs Usyk.

The debate intensifies as Sulaiman emphasizes the WBC’s commitment to finding solutions, including instant replay and open scoring in earlier rounds. Despite these efforts, the prospect of increasing the number of judges remains contentious, with concerns over setting precedents and diluting the integrity of the sport.

Meanwhile, former world champion Chris Algieri has called out the WBC, along with other sanctioning bodies, for allegedly protecting Canelo Alvarez and enabling him to sidestep a potential clash with David Benavidez. Algieri contends that the time is ripe for Canelo to face his toughest competitors, urging the organizations to mandate a fight with Benavidez, the top contender in the super middleweight division.

With Canelo’s options for a Cinco de Mayo return in Las Vegas dwindling, the spotlight falls on potential opponents. While Jermall Charlo, the preferred choice, faces uncertainties, Canelo has dismissed other contenders like Jaime Munguia and Terence Crawford. The absence of compelling matchups underscores the urgency for the WBC and its counterparts to facilitate significant bouts that capture the public’s imagination.

In light of these developments, the WBC faces mounting pressure to address concerns over judging integrity and matchmaking transparency, lest they risk further backlash from boxing aficionados and stakeholders.