I just finished watching the Yuriorkis Gamboa v Orlando Salido fight. (Originally aired 2010-09-11.) I had actually missed it previously and was quite pleased to see it on Eurosport this evening.
Gamboa added to his resume and trophy cabinet, but the most remarkable performance of the night was from Joe Cortez. I have been critical of Cortez in the past, I had even gone as far as to call him biased and hypocritical given the contrast in his approaches to Hatton/PBF and Calz/BHop.
However on this occasion on this occasion he actually annoyed me.
Each time the fighters clinched Cortez having separated the fighters, physically shoved both fighter back a couple of steps. Given the physical nature of the fight it is my belief that this additional pressure will have actually added to the fatigue of both fighters. I guess I am actually accusing Cortez of adversely affecting fighters in a world title fight.
In addition Salido went down in the final round.
A legitimate knockdown, Gamboa showed frustration by striking Salido whilst he tumbled to the floor.
I have seen fighters (AA) disqualified for similar fouls, I have seen referee's ignore this and dust the fighters gloves off (Cotto/Margarito Knockdown 1 Final Round.)
But I have never seen a referee hesitate, look a round stupidly and then deduct two points from a fighter. This indicates an intentional professional foul, yet Salido was not awarded any recovery time.
Cortez's initial indecision, his curious judgement on the foul and his behaviour throughout the fight actually scared me.
I would not like to have my safety in his hands.
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