It the Ref's job to tell the fighters to stop doing illegal tactics, I am not sure many boxing fans understand that Holding is against the Universal rules and regulations of boxing. It's an illegal act when used as a strategy . I'll tell you right now. Manny Steward has set the Heavyweight boxing world back decades , with his teaching of Holding as a strategy. its made for a years of horrible Heavyweight viewing for the fight fan. not to mention the teaching of an illegal tactic. Its one thing to hold on if your rocked or just got knocked down and your trying to get your footing, but its another thing when you go out into fight with Holding as strategy. It 100% illegal . and boring as hell to fukin watch

Association of boxing commissions rules and regulations
http://www.abcboxing.com/