Jaime Munguia vs John Ryder UnderCard Controversy: Fans Slam Referee; Compares Cristina Cruz’s Defensive Posture to Floyd Mayweather’s Following Stoppage

In the world of boxing, controversy is never far behind. Did the referee’s decision on the Jaime Munguia vs John Ryder undercard cross a line? This burning question has erupted following the IBF Flyweight title clash. The bout, featuring Gabriela Fundora and Christina Cruz, unfolded at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

It happened in the final round, a moment now etched in controversy. What happened in that Phoenix ring on fight night? How did one decision overshadow a title defense?

Gabriela Fundora folded Cruz: Accidental twist or fair call?

As the fight unfolded, Gabriela Fundora and Christina Cruz showcased their boxing prowess. Fundora, demonstrating her characteristic aggression, gradually took control in the later rounds. The match reached its pivotal moment in the tenth round, a scene that has since sparked widespread debate. DAZN captured this crucial instance, posting a clip on Twitter with the caption: “#ANDSTILL, the IBF Flyweight Champ, @GabrielaFundor3 with the TKO win 🙌”.

This post, highlighting Fundora’s victory, inadvertently set the stage for a heated discussion among boxing enthusiasts and critics alike. The clip shows Cruz, after enduring a barrage of punches, turning her back to Fundora – a move that led the referee to intervene and stop the fight, sealing Fundora’s controversial win.

The reaction to DAZN’s post was swift and varied, painting a vivid picture of the boxing community’s divided opinions. One fan’s response drew a parallel to Floyd Mayweather’s defensive techniques against Conor McGregor, suggesting a similarity in Cruz’s strategy of showing her back. Floyd was seen multiple times using his shoulder roll technique to defend against Conor, which ended up with his back faced to Conor sometimes. Ryan Garcia also did something like that against Oscar Duarte.

Another fan pointed out the dilemma in the referee’s decision. He acknowledged that while the stoppage might seem questionable, Cruz’s defensive posture, characterized by turning away, is often interpreted as a sign of conceding in boxing.

This fan echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the risk associated with turning one’s back during a match. His comment highlights an unwritten rule in boxing: such a defensive move often signals the end of a bout, justifying the referee’s decision to stop the fight.

On the other hand, this person offered a contrasting view, suggesting that the stoppage was unwarranted. He posited that Cruz’s turning was more accidental, a result of tripping over Fundora’s feet, thus framing the referee’s decision as premature and unjust.

Suerblanch15 was more direct in their disapproval, labeling the stoppage as “terrible.” This blunt criticism reflects a portion of the audience’s belief that the fight was ended prematurely, denying Cruz a fair chance to recover and continue.

This incident not only highlights the challenges faced by referees in making split-second decisions but also underscores the passionate engagement of the boxing community.

Also Read: Oscar de la Hoya Gives Three Reasons Why Jamie Munguia vs John Ryder Is a Must-Watch

How should referees balance the fine line between ensuring a boxer’s safety and allowing a fair chance at recovery and retaliation?

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