There was a time when referees were barely noticed. Silent guardians in the background, only stepping in when absolutely necessary. But in 2025, they’ve become central characters—praised for their protection, criticised for their caution, and, at times, blamed for ruining the show. And after last weekend, the spotlight on the referee has never burned brighter.

Boxing is a sport built on moments—the punch that changes everything, the split-second decision that seals a legacy. But too often, those defining moments aren’t determined by the fighters themselves, but by the ones with the scorecards and whistles. Judges and referees hold immense power in this sport, yet unlike fighters, promoters, or trainers, they rarely have to explain themselves.