First, let me say that I don't think Ndou could have beaten Malignaggi tonight regardless of who was officiating - Paulie was too quick for him and showed great defense and some nice combinations.

BUT, Eddie Cotton did flat out the worse job I have ever seen by a professional referee. He broke the fighters before they were even IN a clinch... He effectively eliminated the possibility of any infighting AT ALL. Ndou's strategy was obviously to get inside the faster Malignaggi and rough him up on the inside - the referee just did not allow any infighting to take place whatsoever. Contrast that with Dave Parris handling of Kostya Tszyu's fight with Ricky Hatton - he took an eternity to break them up and let Hatton maul Tszyu stupid on the inside.

If Ndou had been allowed to fight on the inside I don't think he would have won but the fight sure as hell would have been a bit closer.

Infighting is a (HUGE) part of boxing. Guys like Marvin Hagler, Julio Cesar Chavez and countless others would not have been heard of if they were not allowed to rough guys up inside.

I have never seen boxers being broken as quickly as they were tonight EVER. It was laughable.

Eddie Cotton had obviously been given his instructions from DiBella and followed them to the letter.

And taking a point from Ndou was disgraceful - if Malignaggi is going to dip his head down at every opportunity then Ndou is within his rights to hit him there. I've seen plenty of fights where Malignaggi would have been the one getting warnings for constantly putting his head down...

All in all Paulie was the better fighter on the night - but that fight should have been a far better and closer one.

Eddie Cotton - you are a fucking disgrace.