Judge for Valdez-Conceicao fight apologizes for his awful 117-110 scorecard

Whether you thought Oscar Valdez or Robson Conceicao was the rightful winner of their WBC junior lightweight world title fight on Friday night, obviously it was a very close fight.

In the end, Valdez was awarded a unanimous decision as retained his 130-pound belt in his first defense and avenged a significant amateur loss in 2009 to Conceicao, who won an Olympic gold medal for Brazil in 2016 and was unbeaten as a professional entering the title fight at the sold-out AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona, where Valdez grew up and still views as a second home.

Judges Omar Mintun and Chris Tellez both scored the fight 115-112 for Valdez. That was seemingly the general consensus score from those who had Valdez winning. That was also how I scored it watching the fight on ESPN+ and writing about it for The Ring magazine website: https://www.ringtv.com/626870-oscar-valdez-rallies-past-robson-conceicao-for-hard-fought-decision-win/

But judge Stephen Blea had it a stunning 117-110 for Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs), seemingly giving almost no credit for the strong start and skillful boxing that Conceicao (16-1, 8 KOs) displayed. Blea gave Valdez three of the first rounds and four of the first six rounds, which seemed quite questionable.

On Monday, Blea, a vastly experienced official, did something rarely seen in boxing — and also something very much appreciated. He apologized for his scoring and said he made a mistake after re-watching the bout.

“I am sorry for having a bad night and having brought unnecessary controversy to such a sensational fight.” — judge Stephen Blea

He issued an open letter on the situation that the WBC distributed. First, Bea described his ample experience.

“My name is Stephen Blea and this is an open letter which I have decided to write with regards to my scoring from last Friday night in the Valdez vs. Conceicao fight in Tucson, Arizona,” he wrote. “I have been involved in boxing as a ring official both in (the) amateur and professional field for more than 30 years. I have officiated over 60 championship title fights as a judge & referee in several countries of the world, including Japan, Thailand, Korea, China, Russia, Mexico and the USA. I have judged over 200 fights and refereed over 500 pro fights, with no controversy.”

Then he wrote about re-watching Valdez-Conceicao.

“I have watched the fight and thoroughly analyzed it,” Blea wrote. “The 117-110 score is not accurate and does not represent the actions in the ring and I feel I have let down my federation, the NABF; my organization, the WBC; and most importantly our sport and the fighters inside the ring. I would like to share my thoughts publicly on the specific conclusions I have reached (on) important topics regarding judging in boxing.

“Close rounds – There were a few very close rounds in this fight and I made two mistakes: 1) not to score 10-10 in 2 rounds I felt there was not a clear winner, 2) scoring those to the champion giving him the benefit in the close actions.

“Crowd noise influence – It was a loud crowd in favor of Valdez. During the first rounds of the fight some actions took place in a corner in which I had limited view and couldn’t see some punches land by Conceicao and there was no crowd reaction, contrary to when Valdez landed. I was also dealing with photographers and camera men all crammed up due to the location of the champion Valdez in the red corner to the left of me. (I was between the photographers on the left of me and camera crew to the right, who at times bumped me and blocked and even stepped on my hands while going across the ring apron towards the champ’s corner.) Considering these distractions I honestly thought I would be able to do my Job 100%, no excuses.

“Getting Stuck on one fighter — I awarded 3 out of the first 4 rounds to Valdez, which is a combination of the above points I have outlined. I have scored the bout on TV and have a 115-112 or even a 114-113 score in favor of Valdez.”

Blea closed with what he plans to do next and offered an apology.

“I have decided to reach out to my NABF/WBC ring officials committee to undergo a thorough training and review program and will not accept any championship assignments until I complete this process,” he wrote. “I am an honorable man with profound love, knowledge and respect to the sport. I am sorry for having a bad night and having brought unnecessary controversy to such a sensational fight.”

Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

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