Lou DiBella, Others Call For Investigation Into World Boxing Association After Gabriel Maestre Vs. Mykal Fox Fight
On Saturday, Gabriel Maestre won via unanimous decision over Mykal Fox – a decision that has left fans and a highly respected boxing promoter furious.
Maestre (4-0, 3 KOs) has now claimed the WBA interim welterweight title over Fox (22-3, 5 KOs), but the CompuBox final scores showed Fox landing 157 punches to Maestre’s 131. Promoter Lou DiBella took to Twitter, calling out for a federal investigation of the “corrupt” boxing system and the WBA.
There should be a Federal Investigation of #boxing and the WBA that begins on Monday. That was a 12 point win for @ProfessorMyke!!!!! And EVERYONE in boxing in the know SAW THIS COMING. Boxing is corrupt and disgusting with a rigged system of ratings and governance. ENOUGH!!!!!
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) August 8, 2021
The official scores of the fight were 117-110 (Gloria Martinez Rizzo), 115-112 (John Mariano) and 114-113 (David Singh) – all for Maestre.
The bout was delayed because of an issue with the tape over Maestre’s gloves, which was brought to attention by Fox’s father and head trainer Troy Fox. They accurately pointed out that the tape was riding too high. Referee Mark Nelson said they did not meet fight night standards.
The matter was resolved.
The bout begun, and Maestre connected with left hooks and straight right hands, but was also getting caught with long jabs and left hands from Fox.
Fox sent a compact left hand to Maestre in round two, but Maestre followed and began to close the gap in rounds three and four; Fox, however, remained solid.
Maestre, of Venezuela, threw a fight-high 64 punches in round 11, but Fox was able to dodge and continued to do so in the 12th and final round.
Maestre was declared winner over Fox, of Maryland, his second straight “questionable” loss. He hadn’t fought since being defeated by Lucas Santamaria in August 2020 via unanimous decision.
Julian Williams, a former world champion, joined DiBella in voicing his concern over Saturday’s fight.
I’m gonna stop watching boxing for a few weeks I’m disgusted 🤦🏽♂️
— Jrock (@Jrockboxing) August 8, 2021
WBA President Gilberto Mendoza addressed the calls for an investigation on Monday.
“Maestre vs. Fox – The review of the fight was ordered immediately. Based on the preliminary scorecards received indicates a direct rematch could be ordered,” Mendoza said.
“The judges, who were also accepted by the Minnesota Commission, will be interviewed individually,” he added.