Boxing

The Australian National Boxing Federation protested countryman Jeff Fenech’s draw with Ghanian Azumah Nelson in a World Boxing Council super-featherweight title bout at Las Vegas Friday.

Said Peter Burchall, president of the federation: “We feel an unfair decision was rendered. We also believe the referee erred in the time before the 10th round when Nelson’s cornerman temporarily lost his mouthguard.”

Officials waited an estimated 30 to 45 seconds to start the 10th round while Nelson’s handlers searched for the guard. Videotape of the incident, which is receiving wide play in Australia, appears to show one of Nelson’s cornermen pocketing the guard.

“That (delay) should have been grounds for deducting a point which would have given the fight to Fenech,” Burchall said.