In the last six weeks we’ve seen three blind mice inexplicably score the Erislandy Lara-Paul Williams bout in favor of Williams, and referee Russell Mora suddenly forget how to do his job. Lara-Williams took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey and Agbeko-Mares took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gambling is legal in both locations, both of the boxers who “lost” were considerable underdogs. In my opinion, it is naive to think that doesn’t factor into seeing such incompetence turn high profile fights into what some view as televised corruption.
This is about the integrity of our sport, the NSAC and NJSAB need to do a better job of protecting it, as well as the financial futures of the boxers who put their lives on the line each time they step through the ropes. At the highest level of the sport the difference between victory and defeat can mean millions.
Judges and referees are human beings. People can be paid to do something against the rules. People have habits. People can be threatened into doing things against the rules, due to these habits. I’m not saying Jersey’s suspended panel of judges or Russell Mora are gamblers who are mixed up with some of the wrong people, but a thorough investigation should have taken place in Jersey. And a thorough investigation should take place in Nevada following the suspension of Russell Mora.
The kind of investigation that would be taking place if, let’s say, Don King promoted Mares instead of Agbeko.
Commissioners are human beings also. At what point should two of the most experienced boxing commissions receive heavy blame for inserting such incompetence into high profile fights? If they don’t start doing a better job of investigating their officials, one can only hope government intervention isn’t far behind so somebody can finally thoroughly investigate them.
If John McCain ever wanted to do ANYTHING to help our sport, NOW is the time for him to step up!
