Boxing fans know the heartbreak of seeing a fighter clearly win—only to have judges hand the fight to the other side. In this article, we rank the worst judging decisions in boxing history, showcasing bouts where scorecards ignored the action inside the ring. From Olympic controversies to professional title fights, these worst judging decisions in boxing history shocked fans and forever left a mark on the sport.
15. Nikolai Valuev vs Evander Holyfield – MD 12
In 2008, Nikolai Valuev, the massive Russian heavyweight, received a majority decision over Evander Holyfield, who was years past his prime but clearly outperformed Valuev in most rounds. Major media outlets scored the fight for Holyfield, but the judges’ cards told a different story—making this one of the worst judging decisions in boxing history.
14. Sven Ottke vs Robin Reid – UD 12
In 2003, Robin Reid faced hometown favorite Sven Ottke in Germany. Reid dropped Ottke, but the referee ruled it a slip, and a point deduction further hurt him. Despite dominating, the judges gave Ottke the win, adding another controversial bout to the list of worst judging decisions in boxing history.
13. James Toney vs Dave Tiberi – SD 12
James “Lights Out” Toney defended his IBF middleweight title against Dave Tiberi. Tiberi outperformed Toney in every key metric, yet two judges awarded the fight to Toney, despite not being licensed in New Jersey. This match remains a shocking example of bad judging in boxing history.
12. Shannon Briggs vs George Foreman – MD 12
Shannon Briggs defeated George Foreman via majority decision in 1997, even though Foreman landed more punches and rocked Briggs multiple times. Fans and commentators criticized the judges for making one of the most questionable calls in boxing.
11. Oscar De La Hoya vs Felix Sturm – UD 12
In 2004, Felix Sturm controlled the fight against Oscar De La Hoya, landing precise jabs and counters. Despite his dominance, Sturm lost via unanimous decision, highlighting how big-name fights can influence judges—another entry in the worst judging decisions in boxing history.
10. Paul Williams vs Erislandy Lara – MD 12
On July 9, 2011, Erislandy Lara dominated Paul “The Punisher” Williams, winning at least nine rounds convincingly. Yet the judges awarded Williams a majority decision, prompting suspensions and retraining—cementing this fight among boxing’s worst scoring controversies.
9. Lupe Pintor vs Carlos Zarate – SD 15
In 1979, Carlos Zarate dominated Lupe Pintor, scoring a knockdown and controlling the fight. Still, Pintor won by split decision. Only one judge scored correctly, making this one of the worst judging decisions in boxing history.
8. Courtney Burton vs Emanuel Augustus – SD 10
In 2004, Emanuel Augustus outperformed Courtney Burton but lost via split decision. The ridiculous scoring led to a commission investigation and angered fans and commentators alike.
7. Joel Casamayor vs Jose Armando Santa Cruz – SD 12
Casamayor won a split decision against Santa Cruz on the Cotto vs Mosley undercard in 2007. He was outlanded 246-129 and even knocked down, yet the judges awarded him the victory—one of the most glaring injustices in modern boxing.
6. Joe Louis vs Jersey Joe Walcott – SD 15
In 1947, Joe Louis defeated Jersey Joe Walcott via split decision, despite being dropped twice and losing several rounds. Walcott later received an apology, proving that bad judging has affected boxing for generations.
5. Jose Luis Ramirez vs Pernell Whitaker – SD 12
Whitaker dominated Ramirez in 1988, clearly winning most rounds. Yet only one judge scored in his favor, while the other two absurdly gave Ramirez a split decision. This fight is a classic example of worst judging decisions in boxing history.
4. Timothy Bradley vs Manny Pacquiao – SD 12
The 2012 fight shocked fans. Pacquiao outlanded Bradley in 10 of 12 rounds, but the split decision went to Bradley. Twitter exploded, and unofficial reviews confirmed Pacquiao’s dominance, making it a notorious entry in the worst judging decisions in boxing history.
3. Lennox Lewis vs Evander Holyfield – D 12
In 1999, Lennox Lewis outlanded Holyfield by over 200 punches. Yet one judge scored the fight for Holyfield, and another called it a draw. Lewis later avenged the draw in a rematch, proving the first outcome was one of the most controversial judging decisions in boxing history.
2. Pernell Whitaker vs Julio Cesar Chavez – D 12
In 1993, Whitaker dominated Chavez but ended with two judges scoring it a draw. Fans were outraged, with Sports Illustrated running “Robbed” across Whitaker’s shocked face. This is widely remembered as one of the worst judging decisions in boxing history.
1. Roy Jones Jr vs Park Si-Hun – 1988 Olympics
The ultimate robbery in boxing history. Roy Jones Jr. outlanded Park Si-Hun 86-32, yet the judges awarded the gold to Park. Years later, corruption was revealed, but Jones never received the medal he deserved. This remains the single worst judging decision in boxing history.
Conclusion
These fights prove that bad judging has plagued boxing for decades. From Olympic scandals to professional title bouts, these matches are the worst judging decisions in boxing history. They serve as a reminder that even in a sport of skill and strategy, human error and bias can change legacies.
For more boxing controversies and shocking moments, check out Biggest Boxing Scandals That Shook the Sport
