Refereeing a fight is not easy work. I do not envy those refs for what they have to tackle. However, they hold not only the lives of fighters in their hands, but their careers as well. Much stink is made when a fight is waved off too late, or not at all. Surely everyone in the world is being blamed for Mago Abdullasamov's injuries against Mike Perez.
However, the career assassinations that take place because of an early stoppage can be drastically damaging. I will approach this not only from the point of view of fighters who have been unjustly denied the opportunity to continue, but from those who were, and with the imagination of what might have been had they not been so lucky in the referee department.
Quick Stoppages
Mike Alvarado vs. Brandon Rios
Pat Russell is one of the classic quick trigger California refs. Like Lou Moret, David Mendoza, either Raul Caiz, Jose Cobian, and others, he waves it off after so much as a stagger. Alvarado was hurt in round 7, but on his feet, and fighting back when Russell waved it off. Mile High Mike proved in his rematch with Rios that he could come back from being hurt. Had he been able to notch that first win, maybe it would have been him being paid millions to lose to Pacquiao, instead of being potentially permanently destroyed by Provodnikov... for much less money.
John Molina vs. Antonio De Marco
Molina froze and forced referee Jack Reiss's hand, yet it was only 61 seconds into the bout, when Reiss called it off. Had Reiss allowed Molina to continue, his natural ability as a strong finisher, capable of late-fight rallies would have come into play. Demarco also had the same capability, so the fans were robbed of a great brawl more than anyone. Given Molina's angles, and toughness, he may have even been a better opponent for Broner. Instead DeMarco got to remain champion, and make the big payday.
The entire careers of Junior Jones and Josesito Lopez
Granted these two do not look good when hurt, but they are usually offensively competitive with everyone, and have multiple situations where referees "rescued" them at odd times. Jones was usually even ahead when it happened. A lot of world titles or accolades have been kept away from these two because of early stoppages. given that both were punchers who had great heart, I am 100% sure they could have won at least one of the fights they were prevented from winning.
REFS HOLD CAREERS, NOT JUST LIVES, IN THEIR HANDS, Part 2
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
