Here’s the latest I can share based on recent reports.
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Referee Mark Bates faced scrutiny after the Wilder-Chisora fight in London, but the British Boxing Board of Control decided not to take disciplinary action against him. This conclusion was reported by multiple outlets in early April 2026. [cite ]
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The Board reviewed his performance and stated they were satisfied with how Bates managed a chaotic, fast-paced bout, even though there were contentious moments during the 12 rounds. No sanctions or licence actions were imposed. [cite ]
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The controversy generated extensive coverage, including commentary on what Bates got right and wrong, and calls from some observers for changes in officiating standards, but official action remained absent. [cite ][cite ]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest updates from specific outlets or summarize the key moments critics pointed to, with direct quotes and dates. I can also set up a quick timeline of the main events and the Board’s statements.
Sources
Referee Mark Bates was criticised for his officiating during Deontay Wilder's win over Derek Chisora.
www.dazn.comThe referee Mark Bates? performance in his split-decision win over Derek Chisora? led to Deontay Wilder fearing for his health... [Click Here To Read More (https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/unnerved-deontay-wilder-questions-mark-bates-future-in-refereeing)]
www.boxingscene.comThe British Boxing Board of Control has chosen not to punish referee Mark Bates in the wake of Saturday's fight between Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder.
www.ringmagazine.comAfter reviewing the performance of the referee for Saturday’s 12-round non-title heavyweight clash between Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora, the British Boxing Board of Control will take no further action. Mark Bates, who has refereed 807 bouts since 2017, came under fire from split-decision winner Wilder, Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel, and multiple voices on social media, for his apparent failure to retain control of a chaotic contest staged at London’s O2 Arena. … Should the Board have...
www.boxingscene.comThe British Boxing Board of Control has chosen not to punish referee Mark Bates in the wake of Saturday's fight between Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder.
www.ringmagazine.comReferee Mark Bates was criticised for his officiating during Deontay Wilder's win over Derek Chisora.
www.dazn.comThe Mark Bates Referee debate ended with no discipline, even after a night in London that left questions hanging over control, judgment and timing. The British Boxing Board of Control reviewed the referee’s handling of Saturday’s 12-round non-title heavyweight clash between Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora and decided to take no further action. That decision …
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