In light of the recent "errors" incurred in Germany , where contender Matt Zegan was shockingly upset by Boris Berg, I wanted to clarify a seemingly obvious point. Basically, what happened is 3-0 unheralded Boris Berg came in for a tune-up fight (in an opponent role) for Zegan. Zegan is one of the top ranked contenders to a belt held by none other than Timothy Bradley. Well, by most accounts, Berg boxed Zegan's ears off, and won a big upset. This should be an exciting leap in the rankings for a now 4-0 fighter, while Zegan should go back to the drawing board. But this is boxing, where the bizarre is only held back by the balls of those attempting to make it a reality. Therefore, after two days, a "scoring error" was discovered, and the result was changed to a draw.
First off, what on earth took two days to discover? Secondly, since it was a whitewash decision, what mistake was made, and on how many scorecards? Thirdly, why were the proper channels not gone through to review this? While these questions may seem like I am giving the promoters/commissioners involved a chance to defend themselves, I am not. We all know what is going on here. Flagrant corruption to rob a young fighter of a heard-earned victory in the name of business interests.
Let me clear something up right now. There is no such thing as a scoring error. I'm surprised no one has ever said this before, but come on! Judges/commissioners have calculators. They have time to check their work. They also have time to verbally clarify with ring announcers. Stevie Johnston beat Jose Luis Castillo in their second fight. Rocky Juarez held Marco Antonio Barrera to a draw. Steve Dotse beat Bobby Tomasello in their fateful match. There is no such thing as a mistake that makes it far enough to be announced.
The powers that be were simply able to bribe, threaten, or otherwise coerce the requisite officials to change the decision. This is a horrific practice that has been engaged in for years. Ever wonder what all those suits are doing surrounding ringside while scorecards are being tabulated, even though their presence is clearly not necessary? Bingo! Now, you know. That is what is going on. But this has gone too damned far. Two days later, with no explanation that makes any sense, a not-even-close fight is overturned? Ridiculous
The only way this is gonna be stopped is if it doesn't work. the WBO should refuse to recognize the changed result, and instead replace Zegan in their rankings with Berg. Bradley should give him a title shot (he should win, and what else does he have going on. If Zegans' evil handlers see that they hurt their fighter, and make a hero out of Berg by doing this practice, then their thievery will not make any sense for them to carry out. It certainly can't be fixed with legal justice. That is a concept our sport does not see nearly enough of.
Chris Strait
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