WBO Prez on Abraham-Smith: Laguna Screwed Up

By Jake Donovan

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) promised to not tread lightly when it came to looking into the officiating issues surrounding its recent super middleweight title fight. While an investigation remains ongoing, its president has already sent a message loud and clear that poor officiating will not be tolerated.

“35 (years) in boxing have taught me that anyone can have a bad night- but not two. Our WBO officials should be aware of this, “WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel vowed Monday afternoon, specifically speaking to the wide scores in Arthur Abraham’s otherwise extremely competitive title defense versus England’s Paul Smith this past Saturday in Kiel, Germany.

A fight that on paper suggested a chance for Abraham to shine instead turned into a surprisingly grueling affair. Smith, who had suffered knockout losses to James DeGale and George Groves when both were unbeaten prospects, refused to go away quietly, perhaps offering the best performance of his career, pushing Abraham to the brink and forcing the two-time super middleweight titlist to sweat out the final verdict.

Whereas Smith provided an uncomfortable night’s work for the defending champion, the three judges granted him the sigh of relief he’d sought all evening. Scores of 117-110, 117-111 and an absurd 119-109 were rightfully met with stinging criticism, even from those who agreed that Abraham deserved to win the fight. (Writer’s note: I had the fight scored 116-113 in favor of Abraham - JD)

The scorecard of 119-109 turned in by Spain’s Fernando Laguna was the hardest to swallow. A grand total of nobody agreed with the notion that Abraham won 11 out of 12 rounds, even when giving the defending champion the benefit of the doubt in every close frame.

Laguna is hired specifically for WBO-sanctioned title fights, when not working local non-title fights. However, his status figures to receive a downgrade while his file is thoroughly reviewed in the days and weeks to come.

“Regarding Abraham-Smith, I assure you that I review each and every scorecard for WBO title fights,” Valcarcel promised. “Fernando Laguna screwed up (Saturday) night.” 

The decision has already been formally protested by Smith through promoter Eddie Hearn, which the WBO acknowledged on Monday. A final decision is expected over the course of the next few weeks.

Rarely are such decisions overturned, though it’s not out of the realm of possibility for a rematch to be ordered, normally what most parties seek when filing such protests.

Abraham (41-4, 28KOs) made the second defense of his second run as a super middleweight titlist since regaining the belt from Robert Stieglitz earlier this year.

Smith (35-4, 20KOs) was valiant in defeat while fighting in his first title fight and also his first bout outside of the United Kingdom.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as the Records Keeper for the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and a member of Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox