Boxing official Ian John-Lewis did not have the best of runs during his tenure at the BBBOfC. For the uninitiated, Lewis was downgraded for his controversial scorecard of Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall. The BBBOfC downgraded the British referee after he scored 111-114 for Taylor to win over Jack Catterall back in February.
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This result was widely criticized, and the bout quickly was named the biggest robbery of the year. Following this, he was moved from an A-Star Class to an A-Class Official for his controversial scorecard. However, he has now moved on to join the British & Irish Boxing Authority, or BIBA.
The CEO and Executive Vice President of the organization, Gianluca Di Caro, released a statement announcing their latest official. “Seriously honored to post that one of the world’s top A Star Championship referees Ian John-Lewis has chosen to join the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) and am looking forward to him officiating on our events,” he said.
Boxing official Ian John-Lewis has LEFT the BBBOfC to join BIBA.
His last involvement in professional boxing was the Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall fight where he was downgraded as a judge from an A Star Class to an A Class Official for his controversial scorecard 📝#Boxing pic.twitter.com/aANbgDFvcQ
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) September 28, 2022
Fans were quick to react to this announcement, vocalizing their feelings over social media.
Fans react to Ian John-Lewis joining the BIBA
One fan didn’t mince his words, calling Lewis the worst referee in boxing.
Probably the worst ref in the business .
— phil knight (@phil_spudhead) September 28, 2022
Another fan was happy with the decision and stated that this needs to be more prevalent in boxing.
Rightly so, was a shocking scorecard – need more of this in boxing
— Cal – 🍻🍻 (@kidcally92) September 28, 2022
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Moreover, one fan expressed his disappointment and claimed that this move had come too late.
About 10 years too late lads
— Chris Holden (@chrisholden10) September 28, 2022
Furthermore, one fan stated that the BBBOfC doesn’t need to worry about Lewis now.
Josh Taylor easily spanked Catterall…get over it
— Rhys (@muzzymule) September 28, 2022
However, one fan came in support of the referee and called it a ‘devastating’ move.
Devastating
— Rick (@AlonzoORP) September 28, 2022
Following this, another fan even went as far as agreeing with Lewis’ scorecard. He stated that Taylor deserved to win despite the majority of people calling it a win for Catterall.
Josh Taylor easily spanked Catterall…get over it
— Rhys (@muzzymule) September 28, 2022
Lastly, British boxer Ohara Davies came out and fully supported Lewis for the next phase of his career. He stated that Lewis will be missed in the boxing community as he was a fair judge and a man of integrity.
Will be missed, always judged fairly and was a man of great integrity. Boxing has lost a good one today https://t.co/qq3okfkPoN
— Ohara Davies (@OharaDavies) September 28, 2022
It looks like the fans had a mixed reaction to Lewis changing his organization after being downgraded. While some still choose to call him out for his controversial scorecard, others tout him as a great official and a veteran in the sport.
What did you think about Lewis’ move to the BIBA? Let us know in the comments below.
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Written by
Edited by
Melroy Fernandes