Mauricio Sulaiman revealed video replays will be available ahead of Tyson Fury’s showdown against Oleksandr Usyk
Gambling.com spoke with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman who revealed video replays will be available ahead of Tyson Fury’s showdown against Oleksandr Usyk.
The 54-year-old Mexican has been the head honcho of the WBC for 10 years now and also shared his thoughts on the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight.
Here’s what Mauricio had to say:
Will we have video technology for the big fights this year to avoid controversy?
MS: “We started instant replays 12 years ago. We have used it in Japan, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the United States and every other major territory. We have used it with the British Board of Control twice and in the last fight between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou where Fury was cut.
“The referee didn’t see the source of the cut and in the giant screening we saw it was a headbutt, so we instantly ruled it as a headbutt. We must have instant reply, especially in fights like this because the last thing you want is controversy that kills the sport.
“We will fight very hard to have instant replays for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk and in all major fights moving forward. We have to use the technology that is available and make the best out of it.”
What did you make of Fury v Ngannou?
MS: “I have never been involved in an event of such magnitude in terms of production, the attendance and so many legendary champions, football players, MMA, entertainers were at the fight. The hotels were a dream, the interviews and then the production where there was no ring in the arena. There was a music act and then the ring comes from the floor, it was amazing.
“The fight was a great, positive surprise. Francis Ngannou dropped Fury but Tyson was able to measure the distance and the style but Ngannou takes a punch very hard but also punches very hard, but Tyson eventually won by split-decision. It was a great performance but now the undisputed fight is coming next.”
What did you make of criticism for adding Francis Ngannou into the WBC’s top 10 ranking list in the heavyweight division?
MS: “I’m proud and laughing with joy as we did receive criticism and questions, but I also received really nasty comments about myself, the WBC and the rankings but I explained why he is ranked.
“He came from a sport where he was successful which is part of the WBC criteria and performed against the WBC heavyweight champion very good and that is why he is ranked.
“Now he is fighting Anthony Joshua and nobody is saying anything. I’m sure his fight with Anthony Joshua will be tremendous too.”