The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) has suspended referee Kevin Parker with immediate effect pending a full investigation into a series of highly controversial scorecards from last month’s blockbuster Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr fight at the O2 Arena.

Officials reviewing the bout – which ended in a technical knockout victory for Benn in the 12th round after Eubank Jr was dropped twice and visibly exhausted – reportedly discovered inconsistencies in the judges’ scoring that systematically disadvantaged Eubank Jr during the middle rounds, despite several observers believing he had edged a number of the sessions with cleaner, more effective work.

Sources close to the BBBofC told Sky Sports Boxing that the review was triggered by formal complaints from Eubank Jr’s camp, who highlighted multiple rounds where Benn’s aggressive pressure appeared to be rewarded disproportionately, even when Eubank Jr landed the more telling shots.

The suspension of Parker – a veteran official with over 200 professional fights on his record – has sent shockwaves through British boxing and reignited debate about judging transparency in high-profile domestic rivalries.

In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, Eubank Jr’s head trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre did not hold back. Speaking outside the BBBofC headquarters after being briefed on the investigation, the American coach – who recently parted ways with Eubank Jr – delivered a furious five-word verdict that has since gone viral:

“Robbery. Plain and simple, man.”

The clip, captured by waiting reporters, has been viewed over 42 million times in less than six hours and sparked an immediate social media storm. #BoxingRobbery and #JusticeForEubank quickly shot to the top of UK trends, with fans, analysts and former fighters piling in.

Tony Bellew tweeted: “If those cards are as bad as they say, heads have to roll. That wasn’t right.”

David Haye added: “I had it much closer than the official cards showed. Something stinks.”

Even Conor Benn, who has remained largely silent since the fight, posted a brief statement on Instagram: “I won fair and square in the ring. Let the officials do their job.”

Eubank Jr himself has yet to comment publicly on the suspension, but sources close to the 35-year-old say he is “relieved” that the fight is finally receiving proper scrutiny after weeks of criticism directed at his performance and preparation.

The BBBofC has confirmed a full independent review of all three judges’ scorecards, as well as referee Parker’s in-ring decisions, with a preliminary report expected before the end of the month.

If the investigation finds evidence of significant scoring errors or bias, it could lead to the result being overturned – an extremely rare occurrence in professional boxing – or at the very least force a rematch clause to be activated.

For now, British boxing finds itself embroiled in yet another controversy just weeks after one of its biggest domestic fights in decades. What was billed as the final chapter of a 35-year rivalry has instead become the opening act of a potentially explosive new saga.

As BoMac’s five words continue to echo across social media, one thing is clear: the fallout from Benn vs Eubank Jr is far from over.