Going to the scorecards can be a nerve wracking experience in boxing when you put your fate in the hands of the judges.
In some ways, no boxing event would be complete without a contentious scorecard as was the case at ‘The Last Crescendo’ with Hamzah Sheeraz and Carlos Adames going to a draw.
It only takes one incorrect call from a judge to potentially define a fighter’s career, something that Nick Ball has overcome after his draw with Rey Vargas last year.
Not only does this decision cause an immediate impact, it can be difficult to overturn, as Lamont Roach Jr. recently found out after being denied a huge win over Gervonta Davis.
However, the scorecards weren’t the issue during one fight at Top Rank’s recent return to Japan but the way that they were announced caused confusion in the ring.
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Referee raises the wrong hand as Rene Santiago becomes the new WBO light flyweight champion
On March 13, Top Rank headed to the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena in Tokyo for a card headlined by WBC flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji.
Several other world title fights featured on the card with one bout seeing a visiting challenger dethrone the champion in his first defense.
Causing a huge upset over Shokichi Iwata, Puerto Rico’s Rene Santiago claimed the WBO light flyweight title at the end of 12 rounds.
The scorecards were comfortably in favor of the challenger with 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 seeing a new champion crowned in Japan.
Despite this clear unanimous win for Santiago, the third man in the ring suffered from a brief moment of confusion when the victor was announced.
The referee raised the hand of Iwata whilst the announcer declared that the 32-year-old challenger was the new world champion.
Iwata’s reaction was similar to a lot of the audience as the former champion looked on in confusion with his one hand up in the air whilst Santiago celebrated the victory.
‘Boxing is trash’… Fans react to referee mistake in Tokyo
It’s common for fight fans on social media to debate the scorecards or what should be next for a fighter but in this instance, everyone was on the same side.
Rene Santiago deserved the win so there was no controversy surrounding this decision which made the referees mistake even more bizzare.
“Ref was still asleep while he was in the ring,” wrote one fan, whilst another joked, “I remember my first drink”.
Others were more critical of the situation with response stating, “Wow that took the momentum away.. boxing is trash.”