Boxing referee Steve Willis’ facial expressions are more entertaining than the fights

Referees act as the third man in a boxing ring and so it is no surprise that Veteran referee Steve Willis has always been such a hit with the fans.

With numerous tweets appearing whenever you search his name, the American referee is known for his animated reactions to the fights that he witnesses.

He has essentially gone viral for being excited about his job.

One such time that saw him go global was during a bout between Josesito Lopez and Keith Thurman.

A hellish seventh round saw an almighty left hook completely rock the WBA welterweight champion which immediately caught the fans’ attention.

However, it was Willis’s clear investment that took the spotlight. Caught bent at the waist with his hands on his knees, his eyes were almost bulging out of their sockets as he fully focused in on the action.

He has often been captured grinding his teeth, clenching his fists, or trying to fight back a smile at what he witnesses.

Willis spoke to Sporting News about his priceless in-fight facial expressions. He said: “Contrary to popular belief, I try real hard not to do it.

But when the heat is on, it just comes out. I’m more mortified than anybody. If I was standing outside – me looking at another official – I’d be like ‘What is this guy doing?’

But fans and people that know me are just like, ‘That’s you.’ I came to the conclusion that I’m a bad poker player. Some referees have the ability to referee without their face functions kicking in – they just make their move. Tony Weeks can do that. Me … my brain process comes through.”

December 2014 is the first time that Willis can remember fans talking about his in-ring energy and reactions.

Referee Steve Willis is the GOAT of facial expressions