NO TEXAS HOLD ‘EM, MORE LIKE TEXAS ROB ‘EM
Los Angeles, CA– The accepted notion that a fighter must win convincingly in his opponent’s hometown just to get a close decision victory or a draw is one of the aspects of this sport that turn off current, as well as perspective. The idea that the sport is a business, an ideology used by the majority of fighters in this modern era, in some ways makes the actions of promoters and managers appear acceptable. Other sports however, are businesses as well but the athletes and the game itself are treated with higher levels of integrity.
DISPUTED DECISION A CRY FOR REAL REGULATION
In losing Saturday night to Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz (35-2, 17 KOs) in Diaz’ hometown of Houston by a somewhat lopsided unanimous decision (well lopsided according to judge Gail Van Hoy’s 118-110 or 10-2 in rounds score), Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (26-3, 5 KOs) had all the right to be upset, livid and just plain disgusted with the decision rendered against him. As we have seen over and over, no matter how many bad decisions or unfair circumstances occur, without a universal body to hold bad judges and officials accountable for their actions, there will never be anything close to a level playing field in the boxing game.
BOXERS GET FOURTH WORLD TREATMENT
In what some may call the world’s most dangerous sport, one would assume there would be more regulations. When someone steps in that ring they are essentially putting their life on the line and these athletes deserve a fair shake for making that sacrifice. Watching Diaz’ hand being raised and the seemingly arrogant expression on his face of relief, knowing that he got a gift from the judges and referee was disheartening. At the end of the fight Malignaggi said in his HBO interview, “Boxing is full of shit.” Under those circumstances you would have to agree with his verbiage.
BROOKLYN’S PAULIE, HE IS WHAT HE IS!
No one mistakes “The Magic Man” for the most exciting pugilist, or for being a big puncher. We know he’s a big talker, but it wasn’t like the guy wasn’t winning rounds. Yes he applied a hit and move strategy against “The Baby Bull,” but at times he controlled the fight with great ring generalship, keeping Diaz on his heels, making his aggression ineffective.
MOST PEOPLE FELT DIAZ RECEIVED GIFT
HBO judge Harold Lederman, notoriously known for favoring the aggressor in close fights scored the match 115-113 for Malignaggi. Bottom line is Paulie fought one of the more spirited performances of his career, and he doesn’t deserve to be relegated to that of a gatekeeper. The difference between winning and losing in this sport can mean thousands of dollars. Unfortunately as the years pass most people will only remember what they see in the win and loss column and forget the circumstances that lead to the insulting if not criminal result. It is a shame that incompetence (or corruption) has become such the norm in boxing.
Kevin Perry