Australian boxing icon explains why Liam Wilson’s protest over Navarrete robbery will fall through

Australian boxer Nedal “Skinny” Hussein, who was denied victory by a corrupt referee in his 2000 bout against Manny Pacquiao, doesn’t think Liam Wilson’s protest will change the outcome of his controversial title fight against Emanuel Navarrete.

Wilson’s team have protested their claims that Wilson was ripped off when the Mexican favorite had 27 seconds to recover from a typical left hook that brought him down in the fourth round.

Navarette purposely spat out his mouthguard as he struggled to recover from the shot, buying vital seconds as it was cleaned and brought back to him.

Australian boxer Nedal “Skinny” Hussein (pictured left), who was robbed of victory by a corrupt referee in his 2000 bout against Manny Pacquiao, doesn’t think Liam Wilson’s protest will change the outcome of his controversial title fight against Emanuel Navarrete

Wilson’s team have launched a protest over their claims the Australian was ‘robbed’ as the Mexican favorite had 27 seconds to recover from a typical left hook that brought him down in the fourth round (pictured).

The rules of boxing dictate that a fighter is given just 10 seconds to recover from being knocked out by his opponent, but Hussein – who sympathizes with Wilson – believes the Mexican will get away with it.

“I don’t think they have a case because there is a legitimate reason why the referee extended the count – because of the mouthguard,” Hussein explained.

“I feel for Wilson. I think he should have won that fight. But it is what it is.

“You can protest, but the referee can say that he applied the rules given to him.”

Navarrete was badly injured by Wilson and his mouthguard tactical trick resulted in referee Chris Flores bending down to pick him off the canvas and put him back in his mouth.

It’s a controversial delaying tactic used in the past when fighters needed more time to recover and regain their composure.

An undefeated Hussein faced Pacquiao in the Philippines in 2000 to win the WBC International super bantamweight title. Hussein knocked out Pacquiao in the fourth round and was robbed of the win by a corrupt official

Hussein (pictured with Floyd Mayweather) says there’s a legitimate reason the referee extended the count – but sympathizes with Wilson

In Jeff Fenech’s controversial tie against the Ghanian Azumah Nelson in 1991, Nelson’s corner temporarily ‘lost’ his mouthguard between rounds, giving him an extra 45 seconds to recover when the Australian was high.

Meanwhile, Wilson has called out recent multiple world lightweight champion George Kambosos or veteran super featherweight hopeful Paul Fleming, who ranks in the top 15 in the IBF and WBA, for a major local clash if his protest falls on deaf ears.

“What motivates me is to see my whole country supporting me in this,” Wilson told reporters a day after the controversial loss that took him 11-2 on aggregate.

“I feel like a hero at home and I want to make these people proud.

Wilson has called out recent multi-time lightweight world champion Kambosos or veteran super featherweight hopeful Fleming – ranked in the top 15 in both the IBF and WBA – for a major local clash if his protest falls on deaf ears

“So two or three weeks (rest time) then back in – I’ve got a headache but that’s it and I still want that all-Australia showdown.

“George Kambosos or Paul Fleming.

“I just want to fight tough fights…fights to remember and worth.

“And I feel like this one was worth it and I want the next one to be worth it.”

Promoter Matt Rose launched his protest while Navarrete was delivering his victory speech, saying Wilson will demand top billing in his rematch regardless of the outcome of the protest.

Wilson pictured after knocking out Navarrete at Desert Diamond Arena in Phoenix

“It was an incredible achievement,” said the No Limit Boxing boss.

“He really showed that he is world class. Navarrete is world champion in three divisions and nobody gave him a chance. He still shocked the world.

“Liam is a warrior, he’s the kind of fighter that people like to watch and support.

“We’re going back and putting him on the big stage in Australia and showing Australia we have a little champion worth following.”