Dennis Hogan v Jaime Munguia: Appeal lodged as Aussie loses bout in controversial decision

They’re calling it the double heist, with the clearly frustrated Australian camp of Dennis Hogan to appeal the majority decision in his controversial 70kg title defeat in Mexico.

Dennis Hogan’s team were robbed just hours after arriving in Mexico last week and on Sunday they say it happened again in his thrilling world 70kg title fight with local hero Jaime Munguia.

The Irish-born Brisbane battler is lodging an immediate appeal with the World Boxing Organisation after Munguia retained his WBO super-welterweight title with a majority decision before 15,000 of his chanting fans at the cavernous Arena Monterrey.

American judge Richard Levine scored the fight a draw 114-114 but was outvoted by his countrymen Rocky Young (115-113) and Waleska Roldan (116-112), who both had the giant Mexican in front.

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Hogan’s trainer Glenn Rushton had a computer tablet stolen from his hotel room last week but the Hogan team said Sunday’s controversial decision was an even more blatant theft.

“It really hurts,’’ said Hogan, “I worked so hard for this but I knew trying to win a decision against a Mexican hero in Mexico was going to be tough.

“In his heart, Jaime knows I won the fight. He told me in the ring straight away that if I wanted a rematch he’d give it to me. I want the rematch and I believe I can knock him out this time and keep the judges right out of it.’’

Jaime Munguia lands a decent right hand on Australia’s Dennis Hogan. Picture: Getty Images

Hogan was given next to no chance by most experts of even lasting the distance against the fearsome Munguia, who went into the bout with 32 wins from 32 fights, 26 by KO.

But the controversial result lit up social media around the world and in an exclusive interview with The Courier-Mail, Munguia’s promoter, all-time boxing great Oscar De La Hoya said: “Hogan deserves a rematch right away.

“It was a very close fight and a magnificent performance by him.

“Dennis Hogan’s stocks in world boxing have gone through the roof. He is going to be a big name in the sport.’’

Hogan said the judges’ decision was especially heartbreaking since the commentary team on the streaming service DAZN had Hogan winning seven rounds to five.

A clearly dejected Dennis Hogan after Jaime Munguia is announced as the winner in their title fight in Monterrey, Mexico. Picture: Getty Images

“I frustrated Jaime all night and I staggered him a few times. He missed more punches than he landed and he never hurt me once,’’ Hogan said.

Hogan’s promoter Paul Keegan said he would lodge an immediate protest with the WBO and ask for a recount of the scorecards by a panel of independent judges.

He said, while he doubted Munguia would travel to Australia for the fight he hoped a rematch could possibly happen in New York, where Hogan would have a huge support base of Irish fans.

Hogan’s trainer Glenn Rushton, who orchestrated Jeff Horn’s epic win over Manny Pacquiao two years ago, came within a whisker of pulling off another huge upset in world boxing.

“Dennis definitely won the fight,’’ Rushton said.

Dennis Hogan will spend some time recovering in Ireland with partner Brideen and 18-month old daughter Aria.

“Munguia is a great boxer but he was exhausted at the end and Dennis rocked him several times. I just wish he had jumped on him more when he had Munguia hurt. He could have stopped him. Dennis will only grow in confidence from that performance. He is in the very top level of world boxing now.’’

Hogan was a 50/1 underdog with some betting agencies but covered himself in glory with a stirring performance.

It was a terrific, pulsating fight with Hogan refusing to crack under pressure and picking his time to counter with sweet, short punches.

In the closing rounds Munguia became increasingly frustrated trying to land clean punches against an agile and always dangerous opponent.

Munguia’s frustration was amplified when Hogan tackled him to the canvas late in the closing round. He just couldn’t keep him there.

Hogan will now spend two weeks holidaying in Ireland with partner Brideen and 18-month old daughter Aria before concentrating on getting another title shot.