Matty Askin’s team have complained to the British Boxing Board of Control about Lawrence Okolie, who he believes should have been disqualified from their British title fight at Wembley.
The 29-year-old, who considers himself a Barnsley man after being born in the town then moving to Blackpool, was beaten on points by Okolie who was deducted three points for persistent holding. Askin’s manager Paul Speak has lodged an official complaint with the board after the Sky-televised fight.
He said: “I have told them that Okolie should have been disqualified and I have also questioned the judge who had him six points ahead, even with the three taken off. The referee only took a point off in round five when Eddie Hearn, Okolie’s promoter, was saying he should have done it in the second round. We want them to consider a rematch – not that anyone would want to watch that again.
“Okolie didn’t come to fight and it’s a disgrace to boxing. It’s an absolute travesty and Matty is devastated. No fighter should have their title taken off them in that manner. He’s worked so hard to be British champion and to lose it like that is horrible.”
Askin, who had won his previous five fights, also spoke emotionally this week. He said: “It was my big break on a massive show and I feel like it’s been ruined. It’s an absolute farce and he should have been disqualified. He was holding, headbutting and hitting me below the belt. The referee should have taught him a lesson and thrown him out. Even Okolie’s team thought he had lost the fight.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow and I feel like my belt has been stolen from me. I’m getting fed up of this sport but I am not going to quit.”
