In a boxing match between Cherneka Johnson and Nina Hughes that took place on May 11 in Perth, Australia, the ring announcer, Dan Hennessey, made a blunder that ultimately led to him announcing his retirement.
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After a 10-round bout to claim the women's WBA bantamweight title, Hennessey read the judges' scorecards and made the announcement of who won.
"After 10 rounds of action, we go to the judges' score cards for a decision. Judge Ola scores the competition 95-95 draw. Judge Keatley scores the competition 96-94. And judge Nakamura scores the competition 98-92, for your winner by majority decision... and still the WBA women's bantamweight world champion... Ninaaaaa Hughes."
Hughes went on celebrating, as the other lady announcer on the broadcast said, "Nina Hughes remains undefeated 7-0."
That's when Hennessey came back on the microphone and said, "Ladies and gentlemen... fighters back to the center ring please."
The ring announcer then went on to repeat the judges' scores again, but changed the ending, as this time he yelled, "For your winner by majority, fighting out of the blue corner, Cherneka Johnson."
One minute after she thought she lost, Johnson felt the roller coaster of emotions, that is, the 29-year-old started crying tears of disbelief, being announced as the rightful winner. On the other hand, Hughes was seen shaking her head, as the 41-year-old was visibly upset, after thinking she had won, but having her belt taken away from her moments later.
The backlash that came with Hennessey's blunder caused him to receive a lot of hate online, so much so, that the 56-year-old announcer had to release the following statement on Facebook:
"I love all the support from everyone, thank you all for the kind words. Unfortunately, the worldwide backlash is absolutely incredible and it's affecting my mental health to a degree where I will have 1 more show ever."
"Thank you... No longer the world's punching bag. I'm out."
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