Weigh In! What Do You Think of WBC Plan To Fix Bad Judging?

Published

12 years ago

June 20, 2012

jose-sulaiman 997x777 The result of the recent Pacquiao-Bradley fight outraged the boxing fans of the world, the press, and even politicians in the U.S.A. The many damaging commentaries against boxing were unfortunate. It was certainly a bad decision – Manny Pacquiao should have never lost a fight that he so clearly won. Some are talking about investigations, but for what? It was to me nothing but a wrong appointment of one judge without enough experience for this type of fight, and one other – well-known as a good judge who, the same as any human being, just had a bad day. There is unquestionable honesty and experience in Duane Ford. The Nevada Commission? There is no doubt of the rectitude and high respectability of all of its members.

Boxing is perhaps the must subjective sport. The only score is punches thrown at high-speed from one boxer to the other that are practically impossible to count. It is also excellency in dominating the round – either by the boxer not letting the puncher score, or the puncher not allowing the boxer to excel. Because of its subjectiveness, the appointment of ring officials needs extreme care and competency. The decisive punching with power and accuracy that almost knocked down Bradley three times, like Pacquiao did, and who was clearly far superior, according to basic guidelines, against the fast glove and arm punching by Bradley, that count much less.

The main problem lies in the fact that the appointment of ring officials is no easy matter, as many think that it is just routine. The highest responsibility of a boxing commission is the right appointment of ring officials for the sake of justice and respect for the boxing fans – the appointment of ring officials is as important as being a judge in a highly competitive fight. Judges have the same mentality as boxers: they are either punchers, fine boxers, or a mixture of styles. If you appoint a judge who likes fine boxing in a fight that a puncher and a boxer are rivals, you are helping, inadvertently perhaps, the boxer. People in other countries are not happy with some, but not all, commissions in the U.S.A. disregarding the neutrality of judges. The NFL, MLB, the NBA, etc., send their own neutral officials, but not boxing.

In the old days, New York used to score by rounds won. California by 0 to 0 on even rounds and 1 to 0 on wide margins. Great Britain had a 1/4 of a point as an advantage in a round, later modified to 1/2. The amateurs had 20 for the winner an 19 or less for the loser. Today amateurs use a device that is highly criticized today – that if three out of five judges click at the same time, the boxer scores one point.

In 1963, the world got together to found the WBC and they all agreed to implement the 10-point Must system. It gives the winner of the round 10 points mandatorily, and 9 or less to the loser. It has worked for 50 years. The big problem is that judges score 10-9 for the winner of the round, regardless if it is by a slight, clear, very clear, or overwhelming difference. It practically destroys the fairness of the system. Boxer A wins slightly the first round: 10-9. Boxer B wins the second, but overwhelmingly, also 10-9. Where is justice? Judges are afraid of scoring 10-8 rounds, which they should. In any of the systems, however, it is absolutely necessary to put the appointments in the hands of competent officials, who are constantly trained and boxing-educated, and appointed not by “being my turn” or any other form, rather than for proven professionism in boxing matches.

Due to all of the above, I believe that we have allowed the 21^st Century to leave boxing much behind. The invention of the computer has invaded most – if not all – systems of today, in every activity of science, medicine, industry, and even in children's entertainment and school. But scoring in boxing has remained in the 20^th, or even 19^th century. We at the WBC are known to be people who practice reform. Some times we have failed, while other times the reform has taken years to be applied by others. However, with the unity and similar ideals of a good number of outstanding boxing commissioners from all over the world, including many Americans, the WBC has changed the world of boxing. Many rules and actions of reform have been implemented to take the old legalized savage sport of boxing to the highest levels of safety, justice, and equal opportunities.

We at the WBC have one more plan to reform – to bring the officiating of boxing into the present times of the 21^st Century. We will be bringing boxing into the computer era. We will have our judges leave the paper and pencils at home. We will present a new computerized system by having a computer devise in the hands of each of the three judges, connected to a main computer that will be adding automatically, instantly, and accurately, the information sent by the judges’ devices into the computer.

We will propose to totally change the system into clicks on buttons designating the differences

in the action, but not in numbers. We will let the judges click the buttons for: 1- very slight difference; 2- somewhat clear difference; 3- clear difference; 4- overwhelming difference; and 5- a beating. In addition to that, we will have: 6- one button for knockdowns; and 7- one other button for fouls. We will let our English speaking friends find the right name for the buttons. And I apologize and feel very sorry for the ring card girls not to take the scorecards from the judges to show their beautiful bodies to the cheers of the crowd, but we can still have them show the number of the round, as ring card girls have become a tradition in boxing.

We could still discuss, in addition, the possibility of raising the number of judges to five instead of three, not approved before because of the opposition of promoters, probably right, in not raising their total expenses.

The computer and devices will be taken for demonstration to the WBC’s 50^th anniversary convention in the paradisiacal city of Cancun, Mexico, where we all will find light blue-green waters, blue skies, warming sun, traditional Mexican hospitality, and a great reunion of the nicest people in the world: the boxing family.

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Avila Perspective, Chap. 307: Destination Puerto Rico, Israel Vazquez and More

Published

5 hours ago

December 6, 2024

David A. Avila

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Liam Paro the saucy Aussie from Brisbane surprised the world in his last effort. He’s back for more.

Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) defends the IBF super lightweight world title against Brooklyn’s Richardson Hutchins (18-0, 7 KOs) whose arms are as long as his first name. The Matchroom Boxing card will be shown from San Juan, Puerto Rico on DAZN.

The last time Paro fought also took place in Puerto Rico when he upset then-champion Subriel Matias last June. It was like watching Bambi beat up the big bad wolf.

How did he do it?

The southpaw Aussie (pictured on the left) used a persistent attack that emphasized quick punches while pressing forward against the powerful Matias. Leverage was his game and he maintained the pace for 12 rounds to lift the title from the Puerto Rican.

The challenger Hitchins poses a different threat. Though he won a close decision in his last fight against Argentine slugger Gustavo Lemos, the Brooklyn fighter used his length and clinches to nullify the constant attacks.

When Paro and Hitchins meet, both like to clinch on the inside. Its when they fight at arms-length that the battle will be decided.

“Hitchins is mandatory for a reason. He’s worked his way up there, and we know that this isn’t an easy task. We’re at the world level now where every fighter is elite,” said Paro.

For Hitchins the opportunity arrived quickly.

“I respect Liam, because he’s not one of those guys that will mess around,” explained Hitchins. “Liam has never been in the ring with an opponent like me.”

Also on the Matchroom card, lightweight Marc Castro (13-0, 8 KOs) meets Agustin Quintana (20-2-1, 13 KOs); super feather Hector Lebron (19-0, 10 KOs) meets Christopher Diaz-Velez (29-4, 19 KOs); and flyweight Yankiel Rivera (6-0, 2 KOs) fights Angel Gonzalez (14-0, 7 KOs).

Israel Vazquez R.I.P.

In the boxing world, not every champion becomes financially rich. Some like Israel Vazquez become rich in adulation and respect. Few prizefighters were as beloved as Vazquez.

The Mexico City native was perhaps the greatest ambassador of boxing. Wherever he went fans were drawn to his smile and friendliness. Everywhere I encountered Vazquez fans surrounded him like a long-lost cousin.

Sometimes I wondered how this humble human being could be the same beast in the boxing ring that fought epic battles against many of the best fighters of the early 2000s. Vazquez was like a werewolf once he put on those gloves.

Managed by Frank Espinoza and son he quickly developed a fan base in the Southern California area. Nothing came easy for Vazquez though he was trained by legendary Freddie Roach, it seemed Vazquez was always destined to encounter crazy obstacles.

I vividly remember at the Arrowhead Pond, Sycuan Casino, and especially Fantasy Springs when he was there as a spectator and one of the fighters did not appear. Vazquez was there about to eat a hot dog with relish and was asked if he could fight? He put on his trunks and gloves and won the fight.

Who does that?

His battles with Oscar Larios and Rafael Marquez were some of the most brutal yet captivating boxing wars ever seen. I remember his third fight with Larios taking place in Las Vegas. He was a 5 to 1 underdog. It didn’t make sense. Vazquez won by knockout.

I attended three of his four battles with Marquez. The first one took place at the Home Depot Center now called the Dignity Health Sports Park. The two Mexico City super bantams savagely slugged it out. But Vazquez suffered a severe broken nose and could not breathe. The fight was stopped and I remember the HBO announcers criticizing his manhood for not continuing.

Vazquez went on to defeat Marquez twice in subsequent fights that were all captivating wars and emblazoned both their names in history. No other battles could match their ferocity.

Yet, outside of the boxing ring, Vazquez was revered and beloved as the most kind and generous fighter.

The last time I saw Vazquez was at a Hall of Fame luncheon in Commerce, California a year ago. He asked if it was okay to sit next to me. Me a nobody and him a Hall of Fame fighter. I was invited by Nancy Rodriguez, another wonderful human being and a boxing official, to attend the luncheon. I always feel tongue-tied sitting next to greatness. It was the last time I spoke to Vazquez.

The fighter known as “El Magnifico” fought for the last time in 2010 at Staples Center. His eye was badly cut and his manager Frank Espinoza retired the revered champion. Three years later, I ran into Vazquez at a boxing card in Cancun, Mexico. I couldn’t find my transportation and there was El Magnifico about to enter a taxi cab with six other people. He spotted me and said to join them in the cab. But there was not enough room. He offered his spot in the cab. I told him “no thank you, those are your friends but thanks for the kind offer.”

That was Israel Vazquez. One of the best human beings I ever met.

Top Rank in Arizona

Two world title fights headline a Top Rank card in Phoenix on Saturday, Dec. 7. ESPN will show the pivotal matches.

WBO featherweight titlist Rafael Espinoza (25-0 21 KOs) defends against Cuba’s Robeisy Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs) whom he wrested the title from a year ago.

“I’ve always wanted a rematch. because it was a war where we both gave everything. So, he deserved it, I deserved it, and the people deserved it,” said Espinoza.

Mexico’s Espinoza has a long reach and power that kept Ramirez off-balance when they fought in 2023. It should be a very interesting rematch.

Another rematch pits Oscar Valdez (32-2,24 KOs) against WBO super featherweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) who defeated him when they met in August 2023. Their first encounter was brutal.

“It’s going be difficult for both me and Valdez. However, we don’t need much. All we need is for the bell to ring for us to go to war,” said Navarrete.

Fights to Watch

Sat. DAZN 4 p.m. Liam Paro (25-0) vs Richardson Hitchins (18-0).

Sat. ESPN 7:30 p.m. Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1) vs Oscar Valdez (32-2); Rafael Espinoza (25-0) vs Robeisy Ramirez (14-2).

Photo credit: Melina Pizano / Matchroom

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The IBHOF Unveils its Newest Inductees: Manny Pacquiao is the Icing on the Cake

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2024

TSS Press

The IBHOF Unveils its Newest Inductees: Manny Pacquiao is the Icing on the Cake

PRESS RELEASE — CANASTOTA, NY – DECEMBER 5, 2024 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum is thrilled to announce the newest class of inductees to be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend June 5-8, 2025 in “Boxing’s Hometown” Canastota, NY.

The Class of 2025 includes Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao, “The Pazmanian Devil” Vinny Paz and Michael “Second To” Nunn in the Men’s Modern category; Yessica “Kika” Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis and Mary Jo Sanders in the Women’s Modern category; Cathy “Cat” Davis in the Women’s Trailblazer category; referee Kenny Bayless, cut man Al Gavin (posthumous) and referee Harry Gibbs (posthumous) in the Non-Participant category; broadcaster / journalist Randy Gordon and television producer Ross Greenburg in the Observer category; Rodrigo Valdez (posthumous) in the Old Timer category and Owen Swift (posthumous) in the Pioneer category.

Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international boxing historians.

“We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2025 and are very much looking forward to honoring the newest class of inductees to earn boxing’s highest honor,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy.

The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is scheduled for June 5-8th in “Boxing’s Hometown.” Many events will take place in Canastota and nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino throughout the four-day celebration including ringside talks, fist casting, fight night, 5K race / fun run, boxing autograph card show, banquet, parade and induction ceremony.

For more information on the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, please call (315) 697-7095.

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Navarrete-Valdez and Espinoza-Ramirez Rematches Headline Phoenix Fight Fiesta

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2024

Phil Woolever

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The annals of boxing abound with iconic rematches, and there’s a good chance that list will get longer after this Saturday in Phoenix’s Footprint Center with Top Rank’s ESPN card featuring Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) versus Oscar Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) and Rafael Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs, against Robeisy Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs).

Valdez’s ties to the local area and multiple Arizona appearances give his bout against Navarrete top billing, but WBO featherweight titlist Espinoza’s initial encounter with Ramirez was the better bout the first time around, deemed Fight and Upset of the Year by many observers.

That’s not to say Navarrete-Valdez 1 didn’t hold plenty of drama as Navarrete captured the WBO junior lightweight belt with a relatively widespread unanimous decision. Valdez got himself into an immediate bind in the first fight by walking into Navarrete’s jab, enabling Navarrete to score early with looping right leads from his six-inch reach advantage. Valdez’s corner implored him to stay patient but it seemed there was no avoiding a firefight that played into Navarette’s always busy hands.

By round 3 Valdez’s face was heavily marked and often on the defensive, waiting to establish an offense that never fully arrived. Though he scored with some big shots down the stretch, his swollen right eye closed by the 9^th frame and the eventual outcome seemed obvious.

“I know there’s a lot of pride at stake in a Mexico versus Mexico battle,” said Navarrete. “I believe this will be an even better fight than before because we’re familiar with each other. I know I have to push Valdez to his limits.”

“I made mistakes the first time, the biggest one was trying to knock him out,” reflected Valdez. “I still have a few fights left in me, not everyone gets a second chance. I know what I needed to train for (this time) and I’ll make the most of it.”

Offense was never a problem for either Espinoza or Ramirez, who traded knockdowns in a give-and-take affair that might have gone either way. It was the gloved-up version of mongoose versus cobra as two time Olympic gold medalist Ramirez charged in behind blurring punches up the middle while the much taller Espinoza fired shoulder level combinations. In this case, it was the underdog cobra who triumphed.

Three days from first bell an unofficial consensus of online odds listed the previous winners as favorites, Espinoza by a hair and Navarrete by a solid margin. While the initial winners may still have an edge, that all disappears after the bell, and previous action indicates a pair of pick-em contests isn’t unlikely.

Boxing history is also full of tie-breaking trilogies, too. It wouldn’t be a big surprise if that’s what we’re looking at again in both these cases.

Adding to the electric atmosphere in Phoenix are a solid batch of undercard extras featuring multiple first-rate performers that should get the audience more than ready for the night’s headliners.

Top Rank junior welterweight prospect Lindolfo Delgado, 21-0 (15) from Nuevo Leon, meets skilled Dominican Jackson Marinez, 22-3 (10) in a contest that could qualify as main event worthy in many locales.

Undefeated southpaw heavyweight Richard Torrez, Jr, who earned the silver medal in that division for the USA at the 2020 Olympics faces off against Mexican big boy Issac Munoz Gutierrez, 18-1-1 (15) who reportedly packs a respectable wallop. None of Torrez’s pro opponents have made it to the final bell.

San Diego’s highly ranked welterweight title challenger Giovani Santillan, 31-1 (17) faces Fredrick Lawson of Ghana, 30-5 (22). Lawson has dropped his last two outings but that was against good opposition and he won’t be an easy test.

21 year-old DJ Zamora, a hot prospect at 13-0 (9) from Las Vegas meets experienced Roman Reynoso, 22-5-2 (10), from Argentina and emerging new stablemate Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez, 11-0 (7), who recently signed a long term Top Rank contract faces Gerardo Antonio Perez, 12-6-1 (3).

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