Nina Hughes (6-1, 2 KOs) has called for a rematch following her controversial defeat to Cherneka Johnson (16-2, 6 KOs) in Perth, Australia, after the Brit lost her WBA world bantamweight title.
The contest ebbed and flowed and proved to be an entertaining addition to the undercard of Vasiliy Lomachenko’s victory over George Kambossos.
Following the completion of the 10-round championship distance for Hughes-Johnson, MC Daniel Hennessey took center stage by incorrectly reading the judges’ score totals and announcing Hughes had won.
Hughes, who was boxing on the most prominent stage of her career, was left bewildered when moments later Hennessey reversed the announcement after realizing his mistake, then announcing that had in fact claimed the majority decision verdict.
Once Hennessey rectified the mistake, the official score totals read 95-95, 96-94, and 98-92 in favor of Johnson.
Hughes, left puzzled, upset, and frustrated by Hennessey’s error, immediately called for a rematch when speaking post-fight to Main Event PPV.
“I just don’t get it,” 41-year-old Hughes said.
“How could they announce I had won and then change the scores? I thought I’d dominated early. I thought she won a few of the later rounds, but I felt like I won comfortably.
“I don’t get how you can announce the winner and then change the scores.
“It’s a joke. I feel like I’ve been robbed big time. There’s got to be a rematch. I didn’t lose that fight.”
Hennessey took to social media to apologize for his error and confirmed that he had apologized to both fighters.
“I own it. It’s all on me. I take full responsibility for the Cherneka Johnson V Nina Hughes controversy,” Hennessey posted on his Facebook account. “Not the Judges, not the sanctioned body. Me. I have apologised to all involved, and now I apologise to you [fight fans].”
“I am sorry for what happened. Again, I own it and can only try to do better next time. Not my best day in the office. I guess all the s**** comments on socials I have coming. Again I am crushed and sorry for my s***storm of a performance. You all deserved better. Sorry again,” Hennessey added.