Judge Howie Booth was removed from his judging duties for the night after controversially scoring every round for Tai Tuivasa in a fight that Jairzinho Rozenstruik clearly dominated, resulting in a bizarre split decision.
Judge Howie Booth has some explaining to do.
After returning a puzzling 30-27 scorecard for Tai Tuivasa in his heavyweight fight against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Booth was removed from the judging position he was supposed to work for the night’s flyweight co-main event between Kai Kara-France and Steve Erceg.
While Rozenstruik still got a win in a fight he largely dominated over three rounds, Booth somehow scored every single round for Tuivasa. This resulted in a bizarre split decision.
There were more than a few curious looks after the scorecards were announced. Judge Charlie Keech gave Rozenstruik the fight with a 29-28 scorecard, and David Lethaby went 30-27 for Rozenstruik, which secured the win for the Suriname native.
Media scores on MMA Decisions show every single person had the fight 30-27 Rozenstruik.
The inexcusable scorecard obviously didn’t sit well with the Combat Sports Commission in Perth. As a result, Booth was relieved of his duties for the night.
Judge Ben Cartlidge was selected to replace Booth in the co-main event between Kara-France and Erceg. Though it ultimately didn’t matter as Kara-France knocked out Erceg in the first round.