By Rob MaClean: In a highly competitive 12 round fight between world title contenders, it was Martin Murray who edged Gabriel Rosado by a majority decision in Liverpool. English judge Terry O’Connor called the fight 114-114, whilst the two Polish judges called the fight 116-112 and 119-109. The 119-109 score should be regarded as an absolute disgrace and had Gabriel Rosado incensed at the final bell, and rightly so.
The fight itself was a back and forth contest and was more of chess match than a street brawl, which wasn’t the war one anticipated. Murray started the fight well, he clearly had the edge with the jab. It was an interesting clash of styles with Rosado much looser, whilst Murray was upright. Murray landed some excellent right-hands countering and was edging the fight from a technical boxing stand point.
Rosado changed his style and pressed Murray more to the ropes, landing one or two excellent uppercuts, splitting Murray’s guard beautifully. He probably failed to realize the effectiveness of working the body until too late in the fight. He allowed some mid rounds to slip away by throwing pawing jabs and being countered over the top.
The last two rounds clearly went to Rosado. He landed hard shots and pushed Murray back who clearly felt he had already done enough to win the fight. This makes the 119-109 even more shocking as Rosado clearly one at last these two rounds, it was shameful judging.
Ultimately I had scored the fight 115-114 to Martin Murray however some rounds were close, and as I always say with the fight game, it’s up to perception and one might see the fight differently. But what one cannot disagree with is that the fight was close. Martin Murray claimed he was above Gabriel Rosado’s level, which was unfair, albeit he managed to keep the fight highly competitive throughout.
Personally, I feel both men have found their level. The fight was very watchable, maybe Rosado will look back and wish he made it more of a dogfight, but he didn’t and Murray deserved his win. I rate both fighter’s, both guys are tough and solid boxers but fight in a tough division. It’s not the end of the road for either man, so best of luck to them in their future endeavors.
