by Ted Sares "I guess just beating them up for 12 rounds isn’t good enough anymore.”—Tyson Cave “Boxing and MMA judges are often evaluated based on whether or not they have had a controversial decision. This is a poor way to assign and regard professional judges.”—Matt Podgorski (who came up with a method to evaluate the performance of judges worldwide by determining the … [Read more...]
The Devil and Mr. Gary Russell Jr; Magno’s Monday Rant
The most offensive part of Gary Russell Jr.'s bout last Thursday wasn't that the talented Olympian was pitted against yet another soft touch. Russell has been fighting churro vendors and Footlocker assistant managers for almost his entire professional career with the effort earning him a top 10 ranking by all four recognized governing bodies. His last bout, televised by Fox … [Read more...]
What Junior Wants, Junior Gets; Magno’s Monday Rant
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., second generation star and prize-fighting diva, had no greater enabler Saturday night than the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). In a bout where he clearly struggled against a smaller, infinitely less-talented Brian Vera, two of the ringside judges (Gwen Adair and Marty Denkin) scored Chavez as a decisive winner by scores of 98-92 and … [Read more...]
California Commission Declares Hopkins-Dawson a No Contest
Two months after referee Pat Russell ruled a second round TKO loss against WBC light heavyweight champ, Bernard Hopkins in his defense against Chad Dawson at the Staples Center, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has overturned the decision in favor of a no contest. The appeal hearing, initiated by Hopkins, featured several reviews of the controversial ending … [Read more...]
Margarito’s Actions Speak Louder Than Words
by Paul Magno Guilt was never the issue. The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) had established Antonio Margarito's guilt for wearing illegally altered hand wraps during his initial hearing in February of 2009. Overturning the decision of the commission is to be handled via the appeals process, something already initiated by Margarito and his people. The purpose of … [Read more...]