The World Boxing Council has ordered an immediate rematch between Anthony Mundine and the man he beat via split decision in November, Sergey Rabchenko.
The decision was made due to the “highly contentious nature of the decision”.
I’m not overly shocked that a rematch will now likely occur, however I am shocked that the WBC has practically ruled that the judges were wrong in awarding the fight to Mundine.
The fight was close, I had Mundine winning seven rounds to five, however I could make an argument for Rabchenko winning the fight.
There can be no argument however to say that Rabchenko was robbed of a victory.
The fact that two judges were from Melboure, the host city of the sold-out fight, seems to be the point of contention. That being said, the two local scorecards were 115-113 (how I scored it) and 116-112. Hardly out of the ordinary.
The decision to order a rematch sets a dangerous precedent, as we can now expect to see any fighter on the wrong end of a close decision appealing the result.
Re-watching highlights of the fights earlier tonight before typing this, Rabchenko definitely hurt Mundine with body shots, however he hardly dominated the fight to the point the decision could be seen as “highly contentious”.
Reports indicate that negotiations for the rematch will start in the New Year.
The WBC decision is a blow to Mundine, who was hoping to line up a big fight after beating the dangerous, undefeated Rabchenko, in what was perhaps his best career win.
I am by no means a member of Team Mundine. I respect what he has done and, as I do with all Aussie fighters, I wish him nothing but success, but I would not go out of my way to defend him out of simply being a fan.
In my view, the WBC has made an error, and can now expect a flurry of appeals by fighters and their management.
I look forward to the rematch, but Mundine has been hard done by. That is not something I thought I would ever say.
jordo
Guest
I think redback only watched the first four rounds. Or needs his eyes checked.
Garry Edwards
Guest
Obviously the outcome/decision was biased- no goood arguing about it bigger people more in the know people than a few Aussie armchair judges come casual refs have the final say. Tut tut tut, lads if he won first time around he can win again- can't he?
jordo
Guest
What knock downs are you speaking about?
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Scored at least 7 for Mundine. Couldn't even believe that it was a split decision in the first place.
branna
Guest
your deadset joking right? the 9th and the 12th are the obvious ones that spring to mind. The 11th was a great comback round too that Mundine won. This is me being conservative too, Mundine won other rounds as well. Even if he won just those 7, he would have won the fight (as he clearly did)
branna
Guest
I had Mundine winning 9 rounds and i don't think any knockdowns were awarded. In the 10th Round Rabchenko didn't score a knockdown, Mundine held on, and Sergey walked backwards causing Mundine to fall. It was a highly tactical resurgent performance as you said though.
Redback
Guest
You blokes are kidding the Russion won all but the first 4 rounds. Maybe one or two even rounds.
Andrew George
Roar Guru
I agree Pat - the decision was not remotely contentious. Mundine lost the round that he was knocked down in ... so it does not matter if that was scored or not. I feel sorry for the Man ... I have an inkling that the Russian will be more ruthless in a second outing and go for the kill early. It was clear that Mundines ring craft had the better of him but he cannot trade with the guy. I can imagine if he can land a fight with a fighter with a bigger name or another recognised title he would take it. With only six or seven fights left in his career it would be silly for him to waste a fight on a bullshit mandatory challenge on a bloke he has already beaten. Anyway- I hope he fights again before March ... the narrative from a sports story point of view is compelling and I am huge fan of the Mans new humility
Patrick Effeney
Editor
I live blogged that fight. Mundine had the best of 8 of the rounds for mine, particularly 12, where he absolutely dominated. Sure, he was knocked down twice, but the story of the fight was of a resurgent, and highly tactical, performance. Disappointing to see this.
Andrew
Guest
Yet another slap in the face for boxing helping boxing appear grossly mismanaged/ corrupt. This decision is poor and incongruent with some of the shocking decisions we have seen in the past, none more than our Jeff Fenech vs Nelson springs to my mind. I'm no Mundine fan but he has been hard done by here.
Mike from Tari
Guest
Russian money, the guys in charge of the WBC have been crooks for years, in fact all the boxing associations are open to receiving brown paper bags similar to FIFA.
jordo
Guest
They have to be joking, The only bad judge was the one that thinks Mundine didn't win.Rabchenko was outboxed and did nothing in the early rounds.