East London boxer Ali Funeka smashed unbeaten Joan Guzman for the better part of 12 rounds in Canada on Saturday night, but was handed a controversial draw instead.

He was fighting for the vacant IBF lightweight crown.

Judge Joseph Pasquale scored it 116-112 in the South African’s favour, but Alan Davis and Benoit Roussel had it 114-114. No fewer than three boxing writers at ringside called the draw controversial, saying Funeka should have been given the decision over US-based Guzman, who hails from Dominican Republic.

Funeka, who lost on points to Nate Campbell in a previous bid at the same title early this year, would have been annointed South Africa’s fourth reigning IBF king, alongside Isaac Hlatshwayo (welterweight), Simphiwe Nonqayi (junior-bantamweight) and Moruti Mthalane (flyweight).

Funeka’s record now reads 30 wins (25 by KO), two losses and three draws. For Guzman, who has previously won world titles at junior-featherweight and junior-lightweight, it was the first time he had not won a professional bout. His record now stands at 29-0-1 (17 KOs).

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