The British Boxing Board of control have relented and agreed to change the referee for Joseph Parker’s WBO Heavyweight title defence against Hughie Fury, but only to another Englishman.
Londoner Marcus McDonnell, who had been selected as a judge, will now referee the fight, with original referee Terry O’Connor taking McDonnell’s spot on the judges table.
Parker’s promoter David Higgins admits it’s a compromise.
"Is it ideal? Maybe not, but looks it’s good, at least the referee isn’t the same guy that did Hughie’s last two fights, I’m really happy and relieved that change has been made," he said.
Higgins isn’t worried about O’Connor switching to the judging panel, and says he doesn’t suspect anything suspicious to appear on the scorecards.
"The eyes of the world are going to be on these officials and I’m sure that they want to be seen to do a good job, I think it would be very risky for any official to not be fair with the level of scrutiny now upon them."
The judging panel currently consists of two Americans and the British O’Connor. Higgins is hopeful that a New Zealander will be added to that panel, and is in discussions with the WBO.
Joseph Parker says he’s trying to avoid the focus on the officials, and is instead just looking forward to knocking Fury out.
“I think the build-up to this fight has been very long, but it’s not really anger, it’s just more, alright you’re going to get it now.
"You made me wait for so long, now you’re going to get punished for it".
Parker v Fury is available on Sky Arena, 8am Sunday September 24th NZT
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