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Yeah, that was bad.
Former WBA World Super Lightweight champion, Rolando “Rolly” Romero, stopped Ismael Barroso in the ninth round last night (Sat., May 13, 2023) inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Chelsea Ballroom in Las Vegas, Nevada.
And it was not without controversy.
Veteran referee, Tony Weeks, halted the fight and consequently gifted Romero the WBA world title because it was revealed after the fight that he was down on the scorecards after he was dropped in round two and never really recovered.
Check out the horrible stoppage below:
WOW
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) May 14, 2023
Referee Tony Weeks stops the fight and @SignUp4KOs scores a TKO victory over Barroso to become the new WBA Super Lightweight champ #RomeroBarroso pic.twitter.com/SseQxDNoQu
As expected, boxing Twitter exploded with vitriol after the controversial stoppage:
Boxing took an L tonight. That shit was pathetic. And Barraso ain’t 40 Idc what y’all say. Good night y’all done ruined the GWOAT weekend
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) May 14, 2023
WOW
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) May 14, 2023
THAT WAS DIRTY
WAY TO EARLY #RomeroVsBarroso
WTF was that!!! I don’t even care Barroso still my new favourite fighter even if he’s 63
— George "Ferocious" Kambosos Jr (@georgekambosos) May 14, 2023
What the fuck is this? This corrupt shit is the reason the fans aren’t watching anymore.
— Kevin Cunningham (@KCBoxTrainer) May 14, 2023
If that result can't be overturned, #boxing should just eliminate the protest and stop pretending like there is an avenue to get justice for horseshit calls from referees and officials like the one Tony Weeks just made.
— caleb truax (@GoldenCalebT) May 14, 2023
It wasn’t only the pros that were disgusted with the stoppage.
This is a horrendous stoppage, embarrassing
— Combat Sports Insider (@combat_insider) May 14, 2023
This is the reason why PROFESSIONAL BOXING IS DYING!!!
— iWebb (@ixWebb) May 14, 2023
Barroso got robbed big time. This is a disgrace!!!
— Santos Rivera-Cardona (@SantosCardonaPR) May 14, 2023
I never thought I would see something like this.
Worst Boxing Stoppage of All Time? pic.twitter.com/adrkDkECR7
— Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) May 14, 2023
Fix your refs this is why boxing sucks
— Bluntster (@Bluntster) May 14, 2023
One of the sketchiest stoppages I have ever seen.
— Mike Shytte (@MikeLovesTacosZ) May 14, 2023
Tony Weeks should be suspended and investigate. All refs and judges should have to answer for their decision and cards. This why this great sport is losing fans.
— Tony Greco (@Wheels_Tony) May 14, 2023
Horrible stoppage. Rolly got a gift.
— Reggie Dunlop (@Kil787) May 14, 2023
Romero was gifted a win tonight without question, but his possible next fight will not be a gift whatsoever, as he could be Ryan Garcia’s next opponent.
Romero better hope to get Weeks as his referee again if that turns out to be the case — good luck!
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