In a stunning volte-face, the International Boxing Federation has ordered a rematch between light-flyweight champion Milan Melindo and Hekkie Budler.
This follows the pair’s controversial 12-rounder last month, officially won by the Filipino by split decision.
Budler’s camp immediately protested because the officiating wasn’t on the level. Their chief complaints centred around referee Wes Melton incorrectly ruling a knockdown against Budler in the 12th round, judge Takeo Harada’s extravagant 117-111 score in favour of the champion and Melindo’s corner being allowed to apply adrenalin to their boxer’s cut after the 60-second break and after the doctor examined the injury.
In the last instance, this was a clear breach of the IBF’s own rules that state “the referee will call time out immediately after the bells rings to start the next round. The referee will then assure that the boxer’s corner does not interfere with the examination . . .”
This, then, was in clear violation of the rules and it is to the IBF’s credit that they have conceded this.
If the promoters of the respective boxers are unable to come to an amiable agreement for the rematch, the IBF will order a purse bid.
