Abel Sanchez is disappointed the judges saw Andy Ruiz's WBO heavyweight title fight with Joseph Parker differently to him.
The head trainer of the Mexican boxer believes his charge built up a big enough lead in the early rounds of the fight to starve off a late-charging Parker, and will be championing for an immediate rematch with the Kiwi world champion.
"I'm sure Bob Arum [Parker's co-promoter with Duco] has plans for Joseph and hopefully that includes them getting together again," said Sanchez.
"I thought [Ruiz] controlled the first five rounds and then won three more in the last seven.
"We are in New Zealand, everything Joseph did the crowd went crazy the judges might have been influenced, but the judges have the last call - they scored it. But I honestly thought we won."
One judge scored the fight a draw, 114-114, whilst the other two had Parker as the winner 115-113.
(Images courtesy of Photosport)
Sanchez agrees with the assertion from legendary boxing commentator Colonel Bob Sheriden, that the scrap was one of the best the heavyweight division has seen in some time.
"The fans were thrilled by the action because both guys wanted to win.
"When was the last time you saw a heavyweight fight like this? Both guys threw punches and wanted to hurt each other. It's the kind of fight I'd want to see again as a fan."
One aspect of Ruiz's past that wasn't evident on Saturday night was his tendency to fatigue in the later rounds. Sanchez said that made a big difference in pushing Parker to the brink of a first professional loss.
"Andy had struggled in some of his fight prior to this one and fought 12 rounds at a great pace. I am extremely proud."
As for a potential future unification bout with British IBF world champion Anthony Joshua, Sanchez doesn't think Parker is quite ready for that challenge.
"I think he has a little way to go to get to Joshua. But this fight will go a long way to help both guys become better fighters."
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