Here’s a concise update on the latest news about Mark Bates, the boxing referee.
The British Boxing Board of Control decided there would be no disciplinary action against Mark Bates after reviewing his handling of the Wilder–Chisora fight at London’s O2 Arena. They were satisfied with his performance in what they described as a fast-moving, chaotic bout.[3][4]
Ring Magazine and DAZN coverage echoed this outcome, noting that officials overseeing the review concluded Bates did not warrant sanctions despite significant criticism from Deontay Wilder and others.[5][9]
Published reporting around early April 2026 highlighted ongoing debate about Bates’s decisions during the 12-round heavyweight clash, but the formal Board decision remained no action taken.[1][4]
If you’d like, I can pull in additional details from those sources or summarize the key moments from the fight that generated the controversy. I can also provide a quick timeline of the Board’s review process and the statements from Robert Smith, the Board’s general secretary.[2][1]
With the list of candidates whittled down from 43 to 10, Elliot Worsell was once again granted access to see the potential referees undergo their final tests with the British Boxing Board of Control
boxingnewsonline.netReferee Mark Bates was criticised for his officiating during Deontay Wilder's win over Derek Chisora.
www.dazn.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 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 …
www.el-balad.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 Board’s recruitment drive to find new officials approaches its end and so too does our investigation into the process. With 43 candidates now whittled down to 10, Elliot Worsell reports on the final rounds
pocketmags.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.com