British boxer Nina Hughes was initially announced as the victor of her WBA bantamweight title defense against Cherneka Johnson by the ring announcer, but the decision was quickly rectified in an incredibly uncomfortable moment.
After the ring announcer Dan Hennessey announced Hughes as the winner of the fight, there was a frenzy of celebration from the British corner.
However, shortly after, Hennessey had to correct himself as he had mistakenly announced the wrong winner. He then proceeded to inform the crowd that it was actually Johnson who had won the fight by majority decision in Perth, Australia.
After the scores were read aloud once more, the Hughes camp was left in shock at what they had just seen.
“The 41-year-old exclaimed, “I have been robbed!”expressing disbelief. “I cannot understand how they could declare me as the winner and then alter the scores. Although I felt I dominated in the beginning, I acknowledge that my opponent may have won a few rounds towards the end. However, I still believed I had won comfortably.”
“I am confused by how you can declare the winner and then alter the scores. It seems unfair to me and I feel like I have been cheated. I believe there should be a rematch as I do not accept that I lost the fight.”
Awkward moment after the wrong winner of the fight was announced pic.twitter.com/FvXlk28Oie
— dexerto (@dexerto) May 12, 2024
At her post-fight press conference, Hughes reiterated her disbelief, stating, “I am at a loss for words. I consistently countered her jabs with three or four shots. It’s difficult for me to see how someone can win a fight solely by landing jabs when they are constantly being hit with multiple shots in return.”
The ring announcer’s announcement, based on his belief that I had won, was why he consulted the scorecard and declared the result. Therefore, having it reversed…
Hughes took to social media to express his thoughts, posting: “The negative aspects of the sport I am passionate about.”
The dirty side of the sport i love 💔 @LeonSudbury1 @Takeoversptmgt https://t.co/ir3aca2blz
— Nina (Smith) Hughes (@NinaSmith888) May 12, 2024
Despite the turmoil in the ring, the judges declared Johnson the winner with scores of 98-92 and 96-94, while the third judge called it a tie.
“I am not the judge, but I am relieved that the incorrect decision was corrected,”stated Johnson. “Nina was a formidable opponent, and while I cannot make the final call, I am confident that I emerged victorious in that fight. I am ecstatic to have won this match.”
Hughes has recently requested a rematch, to which Johnson has expressed her willingness to consider.
The duo competed in the undercard of the Vasiliy Lomachenko vs George Kambosos Jr fight, during which the Ukrainian defeated the Australian in the 11th round.
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