"This referee is absolutely terrible" - Stephen A. Smith joins fans to slam Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia officiating amid point deduction drama

Many in the combat sports community, including Stephen A. Smith, were left fuming at the referee who officiated Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia.

Earlier today, Garcia pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the year as he knocked down Haney multiple times to earn a majority decision win over the WBC super lightweight champion. However, what has caused a stir among fans is the referee's alleged leniency towards Haney during the bout.

Watch Ryan Garcia knock down Devin Haney below:

While Garcia was deducted a point for punching his opponent on the break during the seventh round, Haney didn't receive the same treatment as he constantly clinched up his opponent as the fight progressed.

The point deduction almost turned out costly for 'King Ry' as one scorecard reflected a draw despite Garcia's knockdowns.

Suffice it to say, that many in the combat sports community, including fans, fighters, and journalists, were enraged by the match official's conduct, prompting them to take to social media to note their discontent.

Sports television personality Smith clapped back at the referee, writing:

"This referee is absolutely terrible. Ryan Garcia drops Haney. He is hurt as hell, holding onto Garcia for dear life, forcing Garcia to punch in the clinch. The ref pauses the action to deduct a point, [with] no warning. Utter bullsh*t. Garcia drops Haney again twice, yet ref calls both slips. Unreal! Horrible officiating."

American commentator and entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David criticized the official, saying:

"This referee must have his money on Haney. By the way, Ryan Garcia telling his dad to stop the fight! Insane fight!"

Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling also chimed in amid the officiating controversy, noting his happiness on 'KingRy's' win:

"I'm glad Garcia didn't get a BS draw decision. He clearly was winning those later rounds, plus the KDs. That would've been criminal but it is nice to see the proper decisions get made."

Check out a few other fan reactions below:

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