Mary Spencer on Friday etched her name into the annals of Quebec boxing history by capturing the WBA interim super welterweight title from Naomi Mannes.
The fight, one of the highlights of the event presented by Eye of the Tiger (EOTTM), concluded with a unanimous decision from the judges, crowning Spencer as the third female boxer ever to hold a championship title in Quebec, joining the ranks of Marie-Eve Dicaire and Kim Clavel.
However, the decision has sparked controversy among boxing enthusiasts and analysts alike.
While Spencer (now boasting a record of 10-1) started the bout with explosive energy, establishing her dominance early on, the tide appeared to shift as the rounds progressed.
Mannes, who entered the ring with a record of 7-3-1, seemed to find her rhythm and began to impose her pace on the fight, landing more punches and showcasing a relentless determination.
Critics of the judges’ decision have pointed out that, after a dynamic start, Spencer struggled to maintain her earlier momentum.
The turning point came in the third round when Spencer, rather than asserting control over the center of the ring, opted for a counter-punching strategy.
This shift allowed Mannes to capitalise and dictate the pace of the fight, leading many to believe that Spencer was no longer the clear aggressor.
By the fifth round, Spencer appeared fatigued, with her punches losing their sting. Observers noted that Mannes seemed to be landing more significant blows, raising questions about the effectiveness of Spencer’s defense. Despite this, Spencer’s resilience shone through in the tenth and final round.
With Mannes still holding onto a slim mathematical chance of a draw, Spencer delivered a powerful left hook that sent her opponent to the canvas, effectively quelling any hopes of a comeback.
The aftermath of this bout has ignited discussions about the scoring in boxing and the criteria judges use to determine the outcome of fights.
While Spencer emerged victorious and celebrated her hard-earned title, the validity of the judges’ scorecards remains a contentious topic, with many fans and analysts feeling that the decision did not accurately reflect the ebb and flow of the match.
As Spencer basks in her championship glory, the boxing community continues to debate the fairness of the decision, underscoring the unpredictable and often controversial nature of the sport.
Regardless of opinions on the bout’s outcome, Spencer’s achievement marks a significant milestone in her career and adds to the rich tapestry of female boxing in Canada.
