The events which transpired this past Saturday were yet another blight on the already massively marred face of the Sweet Science. Once again, during a major Pay Per View event official incompetence has been the culprit. Who's to blame? Referees who are far beyond their prime. Referees whose officiating of late might cause one to think they are the ones taking the shots instead of the fighters. Pat Russell's hideous officiating is the latest in hideous or at least mediocre officiating that has affected the outcome of a fight, by referees who have obviously over stayed their welcome. Be it Kenny Bayless calling Shane Mosley's near body slam of Manny Pacquiao, a knocked down, in the 10th round of their otherwise uneventful confrontation, Joe Cortez' ADHD style of officiating which aided in the demise of a green Victor Ortiz vs. Floyd Mayweather, to Pat Russell's obvious bout with professional dementia this past Saturday night in calling what was clearly a foul, however unintentional (and I don't believe Dawson's actions were intentional) a TKO, it is becoming abundantly clear that not only is boxing in need of a heavyweight renaissance, but, an officiating one as well. Someone please call Sparkle Lee and Arthur Mercante, Jr.
The greatest offense however is the almost unanimous apathy of the sports world in this matter. Suddenly Bernard Hopkins' conspiracy theory of "them" wanting him out of the game doesn't sound so far fetched after all. Saturday was a travesty for the sport of boxing. Why there are not shouts of outrage from the highest to the lowest rungs of the sport are beyond me. Clearly Hopkins was not faking and for anyone, especially Dawson to make such a claim is absurd. Have we forgotten Hopkins' rematch against the heavy handed Antwon Echols? That was a vivid display of Hopkins' will and courage. After having been picked up and slammed on his shoulder by Echols, who also accused him of faking, Hopkins literally rose to his feet with hell in his eyes and proceeded to punish and eventually knockout Antwon Echols, with one hand. In this mediocre world of ours men like Hopkins are a rare treat. A throwback to men of unapologetic grit. So, no Chad Dawson, Bernard Hopkins was not putting on an act. His balls are firmly embedded on his resume, and if you're half the champion you claim to be or wish to aspire to, it would be advisable that you schedule a rematch expeditiously. Because no matter how much Gary Shaw and his minions whisper in your ears that you don't need him, no matter how silent the press or the California State Athletic Commission attempts to be around this egregious offense, you're a fighter; and try as you might, you cannot lie to yourself. You and every fan knows that this is not how you want to be known for regaining that strap. No matter what Pat Russell and his spectacular idiocy might have ruled, you know full well in places that only God visits you're only a champion on paper. Do the right thing, reschedule a rematch, and erase all doubt.
As for Pat Russell and other officials like him, it is time to hang it up. These are hard financial times for everyone and no fan wants to spend their hard earned cash on a ticket or Pay Per View just to have some official who is clearly not adequate spoil the night. Without a doubt Mr. Russell is one of the greats, but, the party's over, let the lights dim, let the sun set, your time Mr. Russell is up; and if the California State Athletic Commission has any ounce of integrity they will do what is just and strike the loss from Bernard Hopkins' record. The only losers this past Saturday night were the fans.
Copyright 2011
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