Las Vegas, [date] - Referee Tony Weeks finds himself at the center of a boxing controversy once again after a controversial stoppage in the Virgil Ortiz vs. Frederick Lawson boxing match on Saturday night. Weeks, who has been under scrutiny for his early stoppages in recent fights, called an early end to the bout, leading to criticism from fans and commentators alike.

Ortiz, making his return to the ring after a hiatus since August 2022, was able to secure a first-round TKO victory over Lawson. However, the stoppage appeared to be premature, with the play-by-play commentator even questioning Weeks' decision, asking, "and that is it?"

During the fight, Ortiz appeared to have Lawson in trouble in the corner, unleashing a flurry of punches. However, many observers felt that the damage inflicted was not substantial enough to warrant an early stoppage.

This is not the first time Weeks has faced criticism for his officiating. He is a respected figure in the world of combat sports, having also worked as a judge for MMA fights, including scoring UFC bouts. However, his recent track record of questionable stoppages has raised concerns among fans and experts.

In a previous bout between Rolando Romero and Ismael Barroso in May, Weeks also made a controversial call, ending the fight prematurely with a TKO victory for Romero. This decision sparked heated debates among fans, further intensifying the scrutiny on Weeks' performance.

The boxing community, fans, and pundits are now calling for a review of Weeks' officiating and for measures to ensure fair and accurate decision-making in future fights. The spotlight on referee performance in combat sports has once again been reignited, prompting discussions about the need for better training, guidelines, and accountability for officials.

As the fallout from this latest controversy continues, both fighters and fans hope that the relevant boxing authorities take appropriate action to address the concerns raised. In a sport where split-second decisions can have significant consequences, ensuring fair and impartial officiating remains crucial for the integrity of the sport.