Gabriel Campillo, 19-3 (6), won a wafer thin decision against Beibut Shumenov 9-1
(6) last August in Shumenov’s home country of Kazakhstan for the WBA light heavyweight
crown. This fight was certainly open to debate so a rematch was signed.
The rematch was held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas on January 29th and after 12 hard rounds, it seemed to the majority of fans and boxing journalists that Campillo had won on a close but clear decision. Levi Martinez agreed and the judge scored 117-111 for Campillo. However Jerry Roth saw it 115-113 for Shumenov which seemed off course but just about understandable. Patricia Jarman though watched a different fight and her score of 117-111 for Shumenov was ridiculous.
Campillo has now filed an official appeal to the WBA and is contesting the official decision. He has already filed all the legal documents and fees that are required. Although the WBA has itself criticized both the appointment (2 judges were appointed by the New York State Athletic Commission) and decision of the judges it would be a boxing precedent if the decision was made a no contest or reversed.
I feel the best Campillo can hope for is a rubber match which the WBA will mandate anyway. However at least if Campillo makes enough noise, he may be able to secure home advantage.
By JIMMY LAST (EDITOR)
