British Boxing Board stands by Terry O'Connor for Joseph Parker's WBO bout against Hughie Fury

  • 15/09/2017

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) is standing by its choice of a British referee for Joseph Parker's WBO title defence against Hughie Fury on September 24 (NZ time).

Parker's promoters, Duco Events, and the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) have criticised the appointment of British referee Terry O'Connor for the bout in Manchester next Sunday.

Parker's American promoter Bob Arum told Newshub that this decision "puts Parker at a potential disadvantage".

But the General Secretary of BBBoc Robert Smith told Sky Sports UK his body won't make an exception to its own rules.

"Our standard policy is to have a British referee, a British judge, an official from the country where the boxer is coming from and another from a neutral country [on the judging panel]," Smith told Sky Sports.

"We advised the WBO some time ago our referee we want to appoint is Terry O'Connor and the judge being Marcus McDonnell.

Terry O'Connor
Terry O'Connor Photo credit: Getty Images

"We asked them to supply us their names for the other two. They supplied us two other names, which didn't include a New Zealander. When that was questioned, we said we are very happy for a New Zealand judge, absolutely right, got no problem with that at all.

"But we still haven't had any New Zealand judge sent to us from the WBO for approval. That's ultimately their responsibility.

Smith confirmed Duco Events had been in touch to plead for O'Connor's removal but didn't believe it was warranted.

"As far as we're concerned, we've had a bit of correspondence from Parker's team. We have heard nothing from the actual promoter in this country, Mick Hennessey, but we certainly had something from Parker's team, giving us their thoughts.

"We take on board what their thoughts are, we don't agree. We feel on this occasion, there is no need to deviate from our standard policy."

Joseph Parker meanwhile is not letting this distract him as he remains solely focused on training for the fight.

"It is important when you fight that you are on a even playing field but it is not my job to worry about the referee," said Parker.

"My job is to be in great shape and prepare myself for fight night. I'm going to focus on what I have to do.

Joseph Parker and Winston Reid.
Joseph Parker and Winston Reid. Photo credit: Photosport

"There is nothing to worry about when you train hard and you back yourself. I back myself to put in a great performance and him out." 

While in London, Parker caught up with All Whites defender Winston Reid.

Reid, who plays for English Premier League side West Ham, gave the unbeaten Kiwi heavyweight his own jersey, with his name and the number one on the back.

The 29-year-old was impressed with what parker has achieved during his career.

"Up until recently I have started following and like him I did come research and it is good seeing kiwis doing well around the world for a small nation," said Reid.

Newshub.