Aussie boxing legend Jeff Fenech calls for big reform in boxing after Jazzy Parr judging farce

Australian fight legend Jeff Fenech has slammed the judging of domestic boxing after watching Jasmine Parr’s controversial loss to Shannon O’Connell on Friday night.

Longtime queen of Aussie boxing, O’Connell, 41, claimed an upset decision win over rising star Parr, 21, in Sydney, 80-72, 75-77 and 78-74.

It was a close contest – but the wildly varying scorecards have angered fight fans, including Fenech. 

‘It was a close fight and if you gave it a round either way, you’re not going to complain,’ Fenech told News Corp.

‘(It’s) a disgrace. I mean that.’

Fenech, a former four-time world champion, knows a thing or two about controversial decisions and wants to see accountability for judging.

Shannon O’Connell was awarded a decision victory over Jazzy Parr after a close contest

‘This is why people don’t follow boxing anymore,’ he said.

‘People pay to watch the fights but then you have these guys ruining peoples’ careers.

‘They ruin peoples’ lives and they’re ruining the sport, mate.

‘People don’t want to watch that.’

One of the judges awarded O’Connell eight rounds on Friday night, and Fenech believes that judge should be asked to explain themselves. 

‘They should be sat down and asked, “How did you do that? Show me how you thought she won eight rounds”,’ Fenech said.

‘I feel like going and getting them up at 5am every day to train and do what these boxers do.

‘See what they go through every day – the pain and the sacrifices.’

Fenech wants accountability for judging decisions after one judge gave eight rounds to O’Connell on Friday night

Parr, the daughter of Aussie kickboxing royalty John Wayne Parr, was perplexed by the scorecard after the bout.

‘That’s unexplainable,’ she told Fox Sports Australia.

‘It’s boxing I guess and I’m new to the sport, apparently.

‘But I know for a fact I’m a fighter and I know I won that.

‘It’s just dodgy s**t.

‘I’m lost for words.

‘It’s highway robbery.’