Maloney vents fury at board’s decision

FRANK MALONEY has launched a new attack on the British Boxing Board of Control as the fallout from John McDermott’s controversial English heavyweight title defeat by Tyson Fury continues.

On Wednesday, the board ordered a rematch between the pair after Fury took the belt from McDermott in Brentwood on September 11 despite appearing to lose quite clearly.

O’Connor, the scoring referee, awarded unbeaten Fury the verdict by a wide margin with scores of 98-92 in his favour.

However, O’Connor has kept his position as a Class A Star Referee following his appearance before the board in Cardiff yesterday after the governing body made the decision “in light of the explanation and his record, ability and experience”.

A board notice admitted that “in everyone’s view the contest was competitive and the outcome controversial”.

“The board has also decided that, because the outcome of the contest was controversial, it will order a rematch.

“Purse bids are therefore called in short terms to be submitted to the board by noon on Wednesday, October 14, with the contest to take place by the end of December.”

McDermott’s promoter Maloney, however, was more concerned with the lack of action against O’Connor.

He said: “I think the decision is laughable.

“It sends out the wrong message about the sport of boxing and about our controlling body.

“To me it looks like it was a fixed deal before anyone even went into that meeting.”

Maloney, who recently suffered a heart attack which is believed to have occurred ringside at the fight, was reprimanded for his outspoken comments immediately after the contest.

He added: “I made a point that I wouldn’t want Terry O’Connor anywhere near an arena where I am promoting shows. Their response was that I can’t pick my officials.

“I was reprimanded. I think the whole hearing was a joke and does no good for the general public’s view of British boxing.

“Fury got the title through incompetent scoring and the rematch should have at least been put at 50-50 because I’m now at a disadvantage on the purse bids situation.

“Fury will get a 60-40 split of the purse bids which puts me at a disadvantage.

“I believe John wins the rematch as long as the referee knows how to score properly.”

McDermott, 29, has now lost his last three fights – the previous two against British champion Danny Williams – all of them with controversial scoring.

“I think what they’ve done is absolutely diabolical,” said the Essex fighter.

“What have I done to upset someone at the board? Because the last three decisions I thought were all close but not one has gone for me.

“I’ve now got to go into the rematch as challenger for a title he didn’t beat me for.”