According to fans and some self-proclaimed “experts,” the boxing world as we know it is about to end or it may well have ended the moment the scores were read in the Paulie Malignaggi-Juan Diaz fight last Saturday night. Frankly, it is surprising that Gale Van Hoy has not been arrested and charged as a conspirator to Golden Boy Promotions’ scheme to defraud Mr. Malignaggi. If Janet Reno were still around, then it is a safe bet that a full on tank assault would have already occurred to seize control of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
“Boxing is corrupt,” “Paulie was robbed,” “Oscar De La Hoya should be ashamed,” and “I will never watch boxing again” are the common themes from boxing writers and their readers (expletives removed).
Now boxing fans do not stand for Bravo Sierra; however, we’re quite the conspiracy theorists. The National Football League is gearing up for the new season and you will see referees make bad calls, some of which will be game changers. NFL bloggers, fans, and sports writers everywhere will lambast the likes of Ed Hochuli, but football fans will never come up with corruption as a subplot like we do. Pansies.
Before the torches are lit and the pitchforks readied, let’s go over the pre-fight evidence again. The three judges for last Saturday’s main event were the aforementioned Van Hoy, David Sutherland, and Raul “Golden Boy Gopher” Caiz. As you know, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) sanctioned the fight in conjunction with the World Boxing Organization. In short, all three judges were blessed by Texas and the WBO. All three judges passed certification by the Association of Boxing Commissions. Interestingly, however, Laurence “Gale, was the cut caused by an elbow?” Cole does not appear on the ABC list of certified referees (last updated February 9, 2009).
Once “Magic Man” Malignaggi knew who the judges assigned to the fight were he was able to predict the outcome or at least foreshadow the result. Question, where was Malignaggi’s promoter? A fight contract is a fight contract and Paulie, not Lou DiBella, kept telling the media that “he was promised” neutral judges. If anyone believes that promoters do not have a say in judge assignments, contractually or otherwise, then go look for bridges for sale. Houston, Texas was the venue because Diaz is a bigger draw there than Malignaggi is in New York and neither fighter can draw that well outside of their home states. Bigger draws mean more money to both fighters (unless DiBella negotiated the gate away).
If Paulie wanted a “neutral” judge, then there are many exceptional WBO qualified judges who reside in New York and Texas licensure could have been expedited. Blame who you want for the three judges at ringside, if you must, but neither camp is blameless. “Neutral” judges must have travel and lodging expenses covered and promoters are required to pick up the tab. Regardless, every ABC certified judge should have a reputation of neutrality, which is a topic to save for another day.
Back to the conspiracy. Would the mass outrage exist if Van Hoy had scored the fight 118 to 110 for Malignaggi? There better be because it neither fighter was that dominant. Would we be having this discussion if the fight was judged a draw? Probably not. How about a majority decision or a split decision? Doubtful.
We all know what we saw last Saturday (or Monday morning as the case may be)–a very close fight. Malignaggi fought his best fight in years and no judge can take that away from him. In fact, he was the real winner in the court of public opinion by giving us a fight that we probably didn’t think that he had in him. The other reality is that it was a tight match. Judges impressed with flash, speed, and technical skill would have scored for Malignaggi. Judges who are more Rocky Marciano oriented, the infliction of damage crowd, would have scored for Diaz.
Okay, so what? The three men at ringside voted Diaz the winner and the majority of HBO subscribers watching at home and Harold Lederman voted Malignaggi. Neither fighter will rule the junior welterweight division any time soon; therefore, fight again. Malignaggi v Diaz II is the best financial option for both guys right now. There is some speculation that Malignaggi may get a shot against Timothy Bradley, but Diaz II is the better cha-ching opportunity. We also want to see them lace it up again. Honestly, when was that last time you looked forward to a Malignaggi fight? Seize the moment Paulie!
A word of caution though–fights outside of Texas do not come with a controversy-free guarantee. Every split and majority decision scored in the history of mankind was a controversial one. Just ask Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. Draws are controversial and a good chunk of unanimous decisions are as well. The only way to eliminate controversy is to knock your opponent out (well, even then there might be controversy).
Boxing is controversial, it always has been, and it always will be. It is a testosterone injected soap opera full of as much drama as possible–inside of the ring and out. Drama sells folks and it will always be a part of organized pugilism. For those of you who are threatening to quit watching the sport, best of luck finding something that is predictable and easier on the blood pressure. Before you go though, if it’s not too much to ask, please send HBO, Golden Boy Promotions, and DiBella Entertainment an e-mail demanding a rematch. Most of us want to stick around to see it.
