Ref Les Fear Confronts Threats and Controversy After Grudge Match
A high-profile boxing match between Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen in Homebush has sparked controversy, with referee Les Fear expressing his frustration over the behavior of Williams’ camp following the bout. The event, which was highly anticipated by fans, ended with Gallen securing a narrow victory, but not without significant backlash from Williams’ team.
Gallen emerged victorious in the eight-round contest, with two judges scoring the fight 77-74 and 76-75 in his favor. However, the third judge awarded the win to Williams with a score of 77-74. This close result left many spectators and analysts questioning the fairness of the decision.
Les Fear, one of Australia’s most respected referees, found himself in an uncomfortable situation after the match. He reported that he received threats during and after the bout, prompting him to request security to escort him to his vehicle. Fear described the atmosphere as tense, with abusive language being directed at him from those around the ring.
“I’m furious about it,” Fear stated. “People around the ring could hear the abusive language.” He also emphasized the need for security, saying, “I looked down to the Combat Sport Inspector and said, ‘Get security here right now.’ I want them out of the ring and out of the venue.”
Throughout the match, Williams employed a strategy of holding onto Gallen to counteract the pressure. However, this tactic backfired in the seventh round when Fear penalized Williams with a point deduction after repeated warnings. Had this penalty not been imposed, Williams would have likely secured a draw.
Fear made it clear that holding is against the rules of boxing. “I told Sonny Bill and Paul Gallen there would be no holding,” he said. “It’s illegal to hold in boxing. I didn’t want to be pulling them apart all night because they’re a lot bigger than me. Sonny Bill blatantly disregarded my instructions. He didn’t listen.”
The referee also mentioned that he faced abuse from Williams’ team throughout the match. “Everyone’s going me,” he said. “But at the end of the day, he didn’t get the decision because he disrespected the rules of boxing. Simple as that. Sonny Bill has got to take responsibility.”
Williams’ manager, Khoder Nasser, was visibly upset with the outcome, calling the decision “criminal.” He criticized the referee and the judging panel, suggesting that the presence of a judge from Gallen’s hometown, Cronulla, influenced the result. “Only in Australia. No other [boxing] commission in the world would have a referee like that,” Nasser said.
The result marks a significant moment in both fighters’ careers. Gallen now holds a professional boxing record of 15-3-1, with eight wins by knockout, while Williams remains at 9-2, with four victories by knockout.
Despite the controversy, the match highlighted the intense rivalry between two of Australia’s most recognizable athletes. As the debate over the outcome continues, the focus remains on the integrity of the sport and the importance of upholding its rules.
