Referee for Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora escapes sanctions despite controversy

Referee Mark Bates won’t be sanctioned after being heavily criticised for his role in Deontay Wilder’s win over Derek Chisora.

Chisora and Wilder met in a scrappy main event which saw the American claim a narrow split decision victory in London.

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But there were several controversial flashpoints during the fight, including when a member of the Briton’s team stormed the ring mid-round to break up a clinch.

Wilder wasn’t impressed suggesting his rival should have been disqualified, while also bemoaning the referee’s lack of action for illegal blows to the back of the head.

Bates was criticised by many in the boxing world, but is not going to face any penalty or sanction.

The British Boxing Board of Control have revealed they were satisfied with Bates’ display and no further action will be taken.

A board meeting will be held later this week where it will be discussed in more detail, but Bates has escaped any disciplinary action.

It will not impress Wilder and his camp, who were furious on the night.

Wilder’s call for referee to step away from boxing

The ‘Bronze Bomber’ spoke up about his account of the bout, which he believes saw officiating weighed in the favour of Chisora.

And he even called for the action, which now will not come, in a public outburst.

He remarkably said: “That’s why a lot of these fighters get on certain drugs to put in their body, to do things that their body isn’t supposed to do.

“Because they’re afraid not only of getting robbed by referees, but they’re thinking the other fighters are cheating as well.

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“They’re getting away with a lot of things, especially having home advantage. But I don’t let those things get in my mind.

“I really love this sport. Being in this sport, I saw a lot of evil in the amateurs. It opened my eyes to a lot of things.

“I understand things are going to happen. I just hope and pray that the boxing commission, the people, do something about these things.

“That referee shouldn’t be able to ref again. That’s just my honest opinion.”

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Luckily, Wilder didn’t feel aggrieved as he went on to get the decision on the scorecards.

The 40-year-old will now be hoping to move on and push for big fights in what will be his one last hoorah at heavyweight.

Anthony Joshua sat ringside and Wilder called out the Briton in what could be a realistic next clash for the summer.