Following a high-profile error in a women’s World Boxing Association (WBA) title fight, ring announcer Dan Hennessey has announced his retirement from the role after facing backlash on social media, stating that he will no longer be “the world’s punching bag.”
Hennessey mistakenly announced England’s Nina Hughes as the winner of her WBA bantamweight fight against New Zealand-Australian Cherneka Johnson, which occurred in Perth, Australia, on Sunday. The incident occurred during the undercard of Vasiliy Lomachenko’s bout against George Kambosos Jr.
Initially celebrating her presumed victory, Hughes was left confused when Hennessey checked the scorecards and declared Johnson as the rightful winner. Video footage captured Hughes’ confusion as she shook her head in disbelief.
Taking to Facebook after the event, Hennessey issued an apology and accepted full responsibility for the mistake, acknowledging it as a lapse in judgment.
However, despite his apology, Hennessey faced widespread criticism and abuse on social media, leading him to announce his retirement from the role of ring announcer. He cited the significant impact on his mental health as a result of the worldwide backlash.
Hughes expressed her devastation over the mix-up, stating that she was confident of her victory before the announcement was corrected. She described the experience as “devastating” and expressed her desire for a rematch.
On the other hand, Johnson described her win as “overwhelming” and a “rollercoaster of emotions,” acknowledging the sudden shift from disappointment to celebration.
The incident underscores the importance of accuracy and precision in sports announcements, as well as the potential consequences of errors in high-stakes events. While Hughes seeks a chance for redemption, Hennessey’s retirement marks the end of an era in his career as a ring announcer.
