‘Have some shame’: US judge blasted for ‘idiotic’ Paul scorecard

When it comes to controversy in sport, there’s little that draws the ire of fans as frequently as boxing judges. And Jake Paul’s split decision defeat at the hands of Tommy Fury on Monday morning in Saudi Arabia sparked outrage as an American judge – Mike Ross – produced a truly shocking scorecard.

Paul knocked down Fury in the final round of their eight-round cruiserweight battle in Diriyah, but almost all experts around the world agreed that Fury dominated much of the fight, likely winning every other round expect the third.

Fury landed 49 power punches to Paul’s 24, and 88 shots to 49 overall.

Fury also threw almost twice as many punches in total – 302 to 157.

But American judge Mike Ross contrived to score the contest 75-74 in favour of his countryman Paul, vastly different to the two other judges who both scored it 76-73 to Fury.

Fans were absolutely staggered at Ross’ scorecard.

Paul himself said after the fight: “I don’t know if I agree with the judges. I got a 10-8 round – twice. So, it is what it is.”

Given it was a prize fight between two polarising figures with just 14 pro fights between them, there were serious fears that the judges would deliver a shock result – especially as both fighters were deducted a point along the way for foul play.