Don?t worry Boxingconfidential readers, we are slowly moving on past the rematch between Pacquiao & Marquez.
After making the weekly trek to Toronado?s yesterday, myself and Mr. Waugh started to discuss the scoring issue regarding Saturday night?s main event. We found it rather amusing being that two judges had scored the fight identically different at 115-112 for their perceived winner while the third judge had scored it 114-113 for Manny Pacquiao.
It is of our opinion that a possible fourth ringside judge might have scored the bout 114-113 for Marquez and that the only tie-breaker would be a judge located in a sound-proof booth watching a live televised version of the fight.
The question I pose to Boxingconfidential readers is as follows? do ringside judges actually have the best vantage point to score these matches and could an added two benefit the consumer?
On television, the viewers have the benefit of five to six different camera angles that all become utilized very precisely in order to provide the most accurate version of a boxing match. The boxing fan watching at home doesn?t have to deal with the inability to clearly see two-way action when a fighter?s back is turned to them or if the two combatants exchange blows in close quarters in any corner.
It?s an interesting topic of discussion being that there have been various fights over the past several years that have ranged so violently in terms of scoring swings. While most people are quick to point to corruption as the reason being for these varied scorecards (which can be valid), at times it has more to do with the limited vantage point of these appointed judges.
Sometimes closer is not better.
In fact, when comparing it to a sport like tennis, boxing?s judges should be elevated above the ring in order to provide them a much clearer view of all the action rather than situated on the ring floor.
I?d suggest adding another two judges for these mega fights in order to ensure there is fair and balanced scoring taking place in every which way. There?s four sides of the ring so why are there only three judges calling the bouts how they see fit from their three sides?
Problems with four judges resulting in potential draws?
Add in a fifth judge located anywhere in the arena that can view the bout closely on some sort of television monitor.
Since the majority of boxing fans are relegated to tuning in on television rather than attending bouts live, they might appreciate comparing their scorecard to a judge that sees the fight through the exact same viewpoint as themselves.
Just something to ponder regarding judges and scoring for the future?
PS. While press row and ring side seats might be perceived as having the best vantage point for calling a fight correctly, it?s in my honest opinion that a slightly elevated viewpoint provides an optimal, and most importantly accurate experience. While Marquez-Pacquiao II was as close as any fight I can remember in recent times, it showcases some flaws and controversy in the scoring system today.
