Report: Judge in Mayweather fight steps down

MANILA, Philippines – The boxing judge who controversially scored Floyd Mayweather’s fight with Saul Alvarez a draw last Sunday is stepping down indefinitely, a US news website reported Wednesday.

According to the report by Natalie Cullen of 8newsnow.com, CJ Ross announced her plan to leave her post indefinitely following the controversy. Ross scored the fight 114-114, a stark contrast to what actually transpired in the ring.

Ross’ scorecard resulted in the fight being just a majority decision win for Mayweather, who dominated Alvarez the entire fight with his pinpoint punching, speed and defensive prowess. Judges Dave Moretti and Craig Metcalfe had Mayweather winning 116-112 and 117-111, respectively, while some ringside observers even had it a shutout for the undefeated American.

The report said Ross met with Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman Bill Brady to review her scorecard of Sunday’s fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

But NSAC executive director Keith Kizer said Ross has opted to take some time off judging professional fights.

"To her credit, she does not want to take away from the story, being what a dominate performance by Floyd Mayweather. So, she has asked us if she can take some time off, we've agreed. It shows the type of person she is. Bill was very understanding and supportive. He agreed that that was a great avenue to take," Kizer said.

Ross earlier defended her scorecard, saying she called it based on what she saw.

"I stand by my decision," she said in an earlier report by TMZ.

This was not the first time Ross became involved in a controversial fight. In June last year, she infamously turned in a 115-113 scorecard in favor of Timothy Bradley during his WBO welterweight title fight against Manny Pacquiao, a bout which many believed Pacquiao won clearly.

Ross has been a professional boxing judge for 22 years.