Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis led the condemnation of the judges who denied Tyson Fury a fairytale win over Deontay Wilder in Los Angeles.
Despite climbing off the canvas twice – the second knockdown in the final round appeared to momentarily leave him out cold – most observers thought Fury had done enough to claim a decision.
Victory would have completed a remarkable comeback for Fury, who has shed in excess of 100lbs and dealt with serious mental health issues over the last couple of years.
This #WilderFury judging takes me back to my first fight with @holyfield Just goes to show how hard it is for a Brit to come to America and take someone's belt even tho that's what we clearly saw. Big up to @Tyson_Fury who never ceases to amaze me. Hold ur head high! 👊🏾💥 — Lennox Lewis (@LennoxLewis) December 2, 2018
But the contest was scored 115-111 for Wilder, 114-112 for Fury and 113-113 as a draw was declared, meaning Wilder retained his WBC heavyweight title.
Lewis, whose first fight with Evander Holyfield ended in a controversial draw in March 1999, empathised with Fury but nevertheless praised his fellow Briton for his showing at the Staples Center.
Speaking as a pundit for BT Sport Box Office, Lewis said: "They need to get some good judges, these judges were terrible.
"It happened to me and I knew it was going to happen to him. Everybody could see who won. Boxing definitely won and Tyson Fury won the fight to me.
I just saw @Tyson_Fury come back from drugs, depression, two years of inactivity and massive weight loss to outbox the WBC Heavyweight champion, who was gifted a draw! In a rematch, I can only imagine that he will be even better prepared. #WilderFury2 — Lennox Lewis (@LennoxLewis) December 2, 2018
"But that's why you've got to go in and try and knock the other person out, especially if you're not on home soil. You've got to make your fists be the judges."
Lewis was also critical of Wilder's performance and believes the American relies too much on his vaunted power, having secured 39 knockouts in his 40 professional fights before facing Fury.
Lewis added: "I think Deontay boxed terribly. He has a great right hand but he wasn't able to put it to bed until the last couple of rounds.
"He's always got that power. I think when he's tired he's more dangerous because he just flings those punches around and if one of them hit you round the head, you're going to go down and it happened.
As a sportsman what @Tyson_Fury has done tonight must be respected. What he has been through in his personal life, to put in a performance like that. 🙌🏽 #AJvFury — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 2, 2018
"To me Tyson Fury put himself in harm's way and caused himself to get knocked down."
The result caused consternation among those watching on.
Frank Bruno told Sportsweek on BBC Radio 5 live: "(Fury) did unbelievable. I feel sorry for him because he definitely won it but that's the way it goes sometimes.
"He showed so much courage and skill, he outwitted him."
Mauricio Sulaiman – president of the WBC, whose belt Wilder and Fury were fighting for – refused to be too critical of the judges.
After a truly inspirational journey back from drink, drugs & depression, @Tyson_Fury puts on a performance that will inspire millions! I thought he won the fight, but the draw means nothing. He's already won. Congratulations mate! 👊🏼#sobriety — Carl Froch MBE (@Carl_Froch) December 2, 2018
He said on Sportsweek: "When you are at a boxing event only three people can be the judges because they are fully concentrated in the actions. It was definitely a very close fight, it could have gone either way in my opinion.
"Truthfully I cannot say either fighter won, I can say the two knockdowns made a huge difference and was a factor that made Wilder retain his title."
But former two-weight world champion Andre Ward wrote on Twitter: "A draw, I understand (even tho I feel Fury won by a 2 or 3 rds).
"With 2 knockdowns & round here or there for Wilder and you have a draw in some people's eyes. But 115-111 for Wilder is terrible, just terrible !! That's what's wrong with boxing. Fury's stock went up !!!!!"
A draw, I understand (even tho I feel Fury won by a 2 or 3 rds). With 2 knockdowns & round here or there for Wilder and you have a draw in some people's eyes. But 115-111 for Wilder is terrible, just terrible !! That's what's wrong with boxing. Fury's stock went up !!!!! — Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) December 2, 2018
Trainer Dave Coldwell tweeted: "I gave Wilder two 10-8s and one other round. That's it. Fury was brilliant tonight and the only man that looked like a winner."
Other sportsmen paid tribute to the efforts of both fighters, with former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand saluting Fury for how he has dealt with his personal demons.
He wrote on Twitter: "As a sportsman what @Tyson_Fury has done tonight must be respected. What he has been through in his personal life, to put in a performance like that."
Respect to Fury for sticking to his game plan and to Wilder for closing the gap with two huge knockdowns! Can't wait to see the rematch. #WilderFury — Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) December 2, 2018
Manny Pacquiao, who has won world titles in eight weight classes, added on the social networking site: "Respect to Fury for sticking to his game plan and to Wilder for closing the gap with two huge knockdowns! Can't wait to see the rematch."
Los Angeles Lakers basketball star LeBron James wrote: "Man that was the funniest/craziest fight I've ever seen in my life."
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