Krishnil Mudaliar was visibly upset after losing to Junior Binnu Singh in a contentious points decision for the WBF Australasian featherweight title at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on Saturday evening.
“This is daylight robbery and this decision needs to be reviewed,” said a tearful Mudaliar, a former champion in Fiji’s bantamweight and super featherweight classes. The taller boxer effectively utilized his reach to land jabs throughout the match, keeping Singh at a distance.
“The commission needs to evaluate the fight and declare the rightful winner. I should be ahead on the scorecard. Binnu never won a single round; from the first to the eighth, all those rounds were mine,” Mudaliar emphasized.
Judges Fatu Tuimanono scored the bout 77-72, Jone Loloma had it at 78-72, and Rahul Sami scored it 77-75, all favoring Singh.
Prior to the bout, Mudaliar had expressed the necessity for fair officiating to the media.
“I’m ready to face Binnu again for the title. The commission should call for a rematch,” he stated.
In contrast, Singh expressed his intention to compete against an international opponent next, dedicating his win to his late grandfather, Jaswant Singh, who passed away the previous week.
“He was my father’s father and, although not a boxer, he motivated me throughout my career. This victory is for him,” Singh remarked.
Singh indicated that the fight adhered closely to their game plan and acknowledged Mudaliar as a formidable opponent. He confirmed plans to fight again in November under the Bluewater Boxing Promotion.
In other matches, Siliveni Nawai drew with Semi Tui, Rakuro Daunivavana defeated Ronald Naidu by third-round TKO, Samuela Naqari won on points against Kolinio Luvelolo, Masitoqi Rokotuva claimed victory over Mohammed Ali by third-round TKO, Junior Manna drew with Lepani Levatia, Jnr Abhay Chand emerged victorious against Tomasi Vunavou by second-round TKO, Azhar Khan won against Nitin Lal, and Mohammed Nafiz defeated Shefrazud Dean.