The arena buzzed with disbelief. A majority decision had just been rendered, declaring Buatsi the victor over Parker, a result that felt like a stolen moment. Parker, convinced he’d landed the cleaner, more impactful blows, stood stunned as the reality of the judges’ scorecards sunk in.
The numbers told a strange story. Two judges – McDonnell and Salva – saw the fight 96-94 in Buatsi’s favor, while Molenda scored it a 95-95 draw. It was a razor-thin margin, yet one that ignited a firestorm of controversy immediately after the final bell.
Former world champion Carl Frampton, watching from ringside, was visibly perplexed. He’d scored the fight overwhelmingly for Parker, awarding Buatsi a single round. “I cannot understand that decision,” Frampton confessed on air, his frustration palpable.
Parker, raw with emotion, voiced the sentiment echoing throughout the arena. “Everyone’s got eyes, so they can see the fight,” he stated, his voice thick with disappointment. He felt robbed of a deserved victory, a chance to elevate his family’s future.
The decision cast a shadow over the upcoming Eubank Jr. vs. Benn II rematch, as Howard Foster, one of the judges for that highly anticipated bout, was also at the center of recent contentious calls. His judgment was now under intense scrutiny.
Just weeks prior, Foster had stopped the Parker vs. Wardley fight in the eleventh round, awarding the win to Wardley while Parker remained on his feet. The stoppage sparked immediate outrage, with many believing Parker was still capable of competing.
Despite the widespread condemnation, the British Boxing Board of Control defended Foster’s decision, deeming it “bang on.” No further investigation was launched, leaving a lingering sense of unease within the boxing community.
Foster’s name also evokes memories of another controversial stoppage – the first fight between Carl Froch and George Groves in 2013. He waved off that contest, handing victory to Froch in a moment that continues to be debated by fans and experts alike.
Now, with Eubank Jr. and Benn poised to settle their rivalry, the weight of Foster’s recent decisions hangs heavy. The stakes are immense, and the scrutiny will be even greater, as every punch, every round, and ultimately, every scorecard will be dissected with unwavering intensity.
