What are the chances of something shady going down in the Cleverly fight

[FinitoElDinamita]

Whoever the officials are, warren might have made them an offer they couldn't refuse.

If there's anything close to an early stoppage or if the scores look way off, somebody was definitely on the take.

The ref just better not step into the ring with a big bulge in his back pocket. Leave the white envelope in the car

[Fenster]

Whoever the officials are, warren might have made them an offer they couldn't refuse.

If there's anything close to an early stoppage or if the scores look way off, somebody was definitely on the take.

The ref just better not step into the ring with a big bulge in his back pocket. Leave the white envelope in the car

Yeah that's a fair point. When Calzaghe fought Manfredo I'd have spent money bribing the ref and judges too. Even though Calzaghe could have won with a blindfold on and one arm, it's better to be safe than sorry

[p4pking]

Whoever the officials are, warren might have made them an offer they couldn't refuse.

If there's anything close to an early stoppage or if the scores look way off, somebody was definitely on the take.

The ref just better not step into the ring with a big bulge in his back pocket. Leave the white envelope in the car

Yeah that's a fair point. When Calzaghe fought Manfredo I'd have spent money bribing the ref and judges too. Even though Calzaghe could have won with a blindfold on and one arm, it's better to be safe than sorry

Hehe. Do you think maybe there is a tendency for certain refs to wave fights off early in general over there though? Obviously it's not a matter of corruption in most cases, just wondering if that's a fair shout. I'm not familiar with many of the regular officials or anything like that.

[Fenster]

Whoever the officials are, warren might have made them an offer they couldn't refuse.

If there's anything close to an early stoppage or if the scores look way off, somebody was definitely on the take.

The ref just better not step into the ring with a big bulge in his back pocket. Leave the white envelope in the car

Yeah that's a fair point. When Calzaghe fought Manfredo I'd have spent money bribing the ref and judges too. Even though Calzaghe could have won with a blindfold on and one arm, it's better to be safe than sorry

Hehe. Do you think maybe there is a tendency for certain refs to wave fights off early in general over there though? Obviously it's not a matter of corruption in most cases, just wondering if that's a fair shout. I'm not familiar with many of the regular officials or anything like that.

Definitely the Brit refs are safety first merchants and you get premature stoppages. (I think this stems from the tragedies that happened in Britain in the 90s)

[p4pking]

Cheers, wasn't even thinking of that makes a lot of sense. Michael Watson and McLellan of course, any others I'm forgetting?

[ryanman]

Cheers, wasn't even thinking of that makes a lot of sense. Michael Watson and McLellan of course, any others I'm forgetting?

Paul Ingle.

[Fenster]

Cheers, wasn't even thinking of that makes a lot of sense. Michael Watson and McLellan of course, any others I'm forgetting?

Paul Ingle.

Plus Spencer Oliver and there were two deaths in the ring - Bradley Stone and a Scottish fighter in a Brit title fight (can't remember his name )

[ryanman]

Whoever the officials are, warren might have made them an offer they couldn't refuse.

If there's anything close to an early stoppage or if the scores look way off, somebody was definitely on the take.

The ref just better not step into the ring with a big bulge in his back pocket. Leave the white envelope in the car

Yeah that's a fair point. When Calzaghe fought Manfredo I'd have spent money bribing the ref and judges too. Even though Calzaghe could have won with a blindfold on and one arm, it's better to be safe than sorry

Hehe. Do you think maybe there is a tendency for certain refs to wave fights off early in general over there though? Obviously it's not a matter of corruption in most cases, just wondering if that's a fair shout. I'm not familiar with many of the regular officials or anything like that.

Definitely the Brit refs are safety first merchants and you get premature stoppages. (I think this stems from the tragedies that happened in Britain in the 90s)

I agree. I think that's where it comes from. It's the way it is over here now and it has worked both ways. But not saying that Warren hasn't screwed a few.

[IamInuit]

I thinks it refreshing that a young champion would take on such a dangerous opponent when he did not have to. How many guys out there would even consider it? I can wait..... Garcia seemed to have to be backed into a corner in order to fight his freakin mandatory.

Anybody remember Victor Oganov? Another guy who had about 20 early knockouts and was going to steamroll everyone to the top. No way would a guy like Zuniga have a chance. Well? Now he's losing 5 rounders. I cant recall a fight in Wales that was controversial at all unless you count Arthur/Quigg. This is Clev's fight to lose. My only concern for him is his obsession to please the crowd. Stink out the place if need be. Just win the dam fight

[Kirkland Laing]

I'm pretty sure it'll be a foreign ref for this fight. Unlike the vast majority of world title fights held in the US there won't be three domestic judges for this one, there'll be one Brit, one American and probably a South American. I'm guessing the ref will be South American too or Central American. The WBO are based in the DR and they seem to have a lot of Dominican refs and judges on their payroll.

[p4pking]

I thinks it refreshing that a young champion would take on such a dangerous opponent when he did not have to. How many guys out there would even consider it? I can wait..... Garcia seemed to have to be backed into a corner in order to fight his freakin mandatory.

Anybody remember Victor Oganov? Another guy who had about 20 early knockouts and was going to steamroll everyone to the top. No way would a guy like Zuniga have a chance. Well? Now he's losing 5 rounders. I cant recall a fight in Wales that was controversial at all unless you count Arthur/Quigg. This is Clev's fight to lose. My only concern for him is his obsession to please the crowd. Stink out the place if need be. Just win the dam fight

Oganov wasn't anywhere near as good as Kovalev. He couldn't box for shit and never met anyone half decent before Zuniga. Kovalev is a lot more than a puncher imo, although I do favour Cleverly slightly. Expecting a great fight though, neither man is getting "exposed" here if you ask me, they are both talented boxers and this is a great matchup.

[Freedom]

I just hope the ref won't be the incompetent Ian John-Lewis.

[FinitoElDinamita]

Well speak of the devil. Guess who the ref is for this bout?

Yep, none other than Terry O'Connor! Some notable fights he's been involved in :

Calzaghe-Mafredo <<< this one was a piece of work

McKenzie- Enzo <<< Only thing missing was the ski mask

Eubank Jr-Fedotovs

The plan seems to be in full effect.