As World Boxing News previously stated, a British boxing judge accused of using a mobile phone at ringside earlier this month did not have a device.
Terry O’Connor, a former boxer-turned-referee and ringside official, was vilified on social media and took shots from several high-profile names.
Even the promoter of the event O’Connor was working, Lewis Ritson vs. Miguel Vazquez, called for him to be sacked if the TV still proved true.
As it turned out, Eddie Hearn did admit he was wrong. While Lou DiBella, Tony Bellew, Teddy Atlas, and others proved to have no base for criticism.
O’Connor glanced at his scorecard, which he keeps under his armpit during rounds.
Terry O’Connor boxing judge mobile phone incident
Here's judge and referee Terry O'Connor NOT using a mobile phone when officiating from ringside in 2020.
O'Connor was condemned for using his device when judging the Ritson vs. Vazquez fight in the UK.
He was later cleared.
More: https://t.co/znuNaPfWw3 pic.twitter.com/KTQLKeXMIK
— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) November 8, 2023
A further uproar over the Birmingham man’s score totals for the bout eventually took center stage. However, the British Boxing Board of Control cleared O’Connor of all charges.
“British Boxing Board of Control Judge Mr. Terry O’Connor appeared before the Stewards of the Board to discuss his performance at the tournament held on 17th October 2020 at the East of England Showground Arena, Peterborough.
“Allegations made on social media and the print media as to Mr. O’Connor using a mobile telephone or similar handheld device were considered.
“Following extensive consideration of footage and Mr. O’Connor’s evidence supplied, the Stewards are satisfied that Mr. O’Connor was not in possession of any telephone or handheld device whilst carrying out his duties as a Judge in the contest between Lewis Ritson and Miguel Vazquez.
“His scoring of the said bout was not affected in any way.
“Also, Mr. O’Connor’s scoring of the bout was considered. Judging a contest is subjective.
“Following Mr. O’Connor’s explanation of how he scored the bout, the Stewards are satisfied that Mr. O’Connor’s final score reflected his own opinion of the contest.”
Trial by social media once again rules over innocence. The situation needs to change moving forward to give professionals a platform to keep their reputations intact until a decision is made.
A veteran of over 1500 bouts as a third man, O’Connor is set to back in action at a UK event shortly.
His image has taken a battering, though, firmly through no fault of his own.
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
