In the wake of the recent Ali Funeka vs. Joan Guzman controversy, let me advance the radical theory that referees and judges should have to answer for their idiotic calls. In my opinion, the 116-112 scorecard was correct. Certainly one could see it a bit wider for Funeka, yet to see it 115-113 required some creative scoring, and to see if 114-114 highlights blatant bias, if not outright corruption. Now, we already know how this is going to play out. Funeka will get another title shot, but no decision will be reversed. And more importantly, the two blind mice who scored this fight incorrectly will be right back to work next week. That last part is tragic. Fighters who fail to execute their duties in an ethical fashion are often fined or suspended. Why should referees and judges be exempt from accountability? There are plenty of people who are willing and capable of being boxing judges. I say if you can't cut the mustard, one strike and your out. If you blow a call, and 2/3 of the media in attendance agree, you don't judge a fight for another year. After which, you can reapply, just like the fighters have to. Same with referees. I bet it would be a lot harder to find a referee or judge to go along with corruption, if they knew they would sit idle for a year afterwards.
Let us not forget that in the main event to follow Guzman-Funeka, we were witnessing a rematch of a 168lb title fight in which Canadian referee Marlon Wright engaged in blatantly biased behavior, and was not punished at all. Indeed the only punishment doled out from the long count Wright issued Lucian Bute, was to Librado Andrade's trainer, Howard Grant! The NBA seemed to embrace this trend in mainstream sports as well, fining coaches and players for merely questioning officials' calls, yet handing out no punishment to the officials themselves. It's as if common sense, and what we see with our own eyes is of no relevance. Here is our chance to bring it back.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
