In a dramatic turn of events, Deontay Wilder’s father has publicly called for the dismissal of the referee who officiated his son’s recent bout against Zhilei Zhang. The elder Wilder has accused the referee of aiding Zhang in cheating during the fight and failing to report it, leading to Wilder’s controversial loss.

Deontay Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power, faced Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang in a highly anticipated match. The fight, however, ended in controversy when Wilder was defeated, leading to accusations of unfair play. According to Wilder’s father, the referee’s actions—or lack thereof—contributed to the unfavorable outcome for his son.

In a post-fight interview, Wilder’s father did not hold back his frustrations. “The referee helped Zhilei Zhang cheat without reporting it,” he stated. He alleged that the referee ignored several instances of Zhang’s illegal tactics, which purportedly included holding, hitting behind the head, and other infractions that went unpenalized.

The boxing community has been abuzz with reactions to these accusations. Fans and analysts are divided, with some supporting Wilder’s father’s claims and others defending the referee’s conduct. Social media platforms have been flooded with discussions and debates, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the officiating of the match.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the boxing commission or the referee in question. However, calls for an investigation into the fight’s officiating are growing louder, and it is likely that the matter will be reviewed to ensure the integrity of the sport.

This incident is not the first time that officiating in boxing has come under scrutiny. The sport has a long history of controversial decisions and accusations of bias, leading to ongoing debates about the need for stricter oversight and accountability among referees.

The call for the referee’s dismissal by Deontay Wilder’s father has added another layer of drama to the boxing world. As the controversy unfolds, fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how the situation is resolved. Whether the referee is found culpable or exonerated, this incident underscores the importance of fair play and transparency in sports.