2024 served up enough controversy to keep the social media and different boxing forums buzzing. From no-contests that changed fighters’ records to eyebrow-raising judge’s scorecards, let’s delve into the biggest flashpoints of the year:
On April 20 at the Barclays Center in New York, two super lightweight stars collided: Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia. Though Garcia initially won by majority decision and dropping Haney 3 times, the victory soon imploded under a cloud of controversy. Garcia failed pre-fight and post-fight drug tests, and he also missed weight by three pounds.
The New York State Athletic Commission declared the fight a no-contest, and Garcia was handed a one-year suspension. To pour salt in the wound, Haney filed a lawsuit accusing Garcia of battery, fraud, and unjust enrichment. Fans took sides, with some asserting that Haney was robbed of a fair fight, while others felt the entire buildup was marred by tension and mismanagement. The fiasco spotlighted boxing’s ongoing battle with PEDs and weight-cutting extremes, prompting louder calls for stricter enforcement.
Watch Haney vs. Garcia highlights: Watch
Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen
On the recent undercard of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia, Johnny Fisher took on Dave Allen in a heavyweight scrap that appeared, by most accounts, to be trending Allen’s way. After Fisher was floored in the fifth round and seemingly outworked for large portions of the fight, the judges still gave Fisher a split decision (96-93 for Allen, 95-94, 95-94 for Fisher).
Social media erupted with accusations of “home cooking” and poor judging. Critics called it a “disgrace” to the sport, as they didn’t understand how Fisher could nab enough rounds on the scorecards despite the knockdown and Allen’s apparent edge. The uproar renewed calls for more transparency and potentially adding open scoring or stricter training requirements for judges.
Watch Fisher vs. Allen highlights: Watch
Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano II
In a Texas rematch, Katie Taylor defended her status against Amanda Serrano. Though Taylor suffered a point deduction, she walked away with a unanimous decision victory (all three judges scoring it 95-94).
Serrano’s corner alleged favoritism and even hinted at cheating, especially given the narrow margin. Some neutral observers felt Serrano had done enough to at least force a draw, if not a win.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson
In one of the year’s most polarizing events, social media sensation Jake Paul, 27, faced off against the 58-year-old legend Mike Tyson in an exhibition on Netflix. Critics branded it a “freakshow,” spotlighting the pronounced age difference and potential health risks for Tyson.
Technical glitches marred the event’s live stream, while many were not even sure whether exhibitions like this should exist in the sport. Despite the criticism, the event pulled high viewership numbers - arguably validating promoters’ interest in booking spectacles over substance.
Watch Paul vs. Tyson highlights: Watch
If boxing can address these obstacles head-on, then perhaps the heated controversies of 2024 will serve as a good push for a safer and fairer sport. For now, we all hope the next round of fights will focus on skill, heart, and respect inside - and outside - the ring.
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