Commission to Overturn Decision? MICHIGAN Boxing Fuming over Decision

[Oddessa]

MI Boxing Fuming over Decision
Andre Courtemanche
Several key members of the Michigan boxing community are as outraged by last night’s decision in the ESPN2 Burton/Augustus fight as Augustus himself. “I’m considering quitting boxing over this,” said long-time and well-respected referee Frank Garza. Having seen his share of controversy through the years (including being third man in the ring when Andrew Golota quit vs. Mike Tyson), Garza says this time it’s too much. “Of all the bad decisions I’ve ever seen, at least I could make an argument for the other guy, but this time I just can’t. There is no way Courtney Burton won that fight.” Already plagued with a commission handcuffed by archaic legislation and a reputation for questionably qualified judges rendering equally questionable verdicts, last night’s 10-round super lightweight fiasco at the L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon has done nothing to enhance the state’s boxing status. “I have been talking to some television companies about doing some boxing shows here in Michigan,” said 1World Productions chief Gerald Evans, “but after last night’s fight, they called me and told me to find another place to stage my events or forget it. I don’t blame them. Who would want to bring their fighter here? With these judges we have, even if he wins, he loses.” Michigan judges Robert Paganeli (99-90 Burton) and Ed Mosley (97-92 Burton) over-ruled the more accepted card of judge Jack Richards (94-98 Augustus). Burton is a resident of Benton Harbor, Michigan. Augustus hails from Louisiana.

[Oddessa]

The State of Michigan issued the following press release minutes ago on their web site:

July 7, 2004 – Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Director David Hollister and Athletic Board of Control Chairperson Brad Wright have called for an Athletic Board of Control review of the professional boxing bout between Emanuel Augustus and Courtney Burton held last evening at Muskegon’s L.C. Walker Arena.

The bout, televised nationally by ESPN2, drew the ire of viewers and ESPN2 commentators, concerning the conduct of the referee and the split decision of the judges who awarded the win to Benton Harbor boxer Courtney Burton. The Bureau of Commercial Service’s Athletic Board of Control is responsible for licensing and regulating all aspects of boxing in the State of Michigan, including judges, boxers, timekeepers, announcers and promoters.

“We’ve received numerous e-mails and telephone calls from boxing fans from the U.S. and Canada concerning the officiating at this bout,” Hollister said. “While we have not received a challenge to the judge’s decision from boxer Emanuel Augustus, we have received enough input from boxing fans to warrant a review. Athletic Board of Control members will be asked at a future meeting to review a video tape of the bout and discuss the issue further with DLEG staff that were in attendance at the boxing show.”

Under Athletic Board of Control Administrative rules, a decision that is rendered at the termination of a boxing contest shall not be changed without a hearing. Although the next regularly scheduled board meeting is not until September 16, 2004, the Department and the board chairperson have the authority to call a special meeting prior to that date. No special meeting date has been scheduled as of today.

[Omni]

I'm glad something is being done in this case...however, there are many more. The problem with the judges is the same as with the umps and refs in other leagues too. No one is ever held accountable!

[AnotherBadBeat]

If they reverse the Decision , Does this mean I get my Money back ?>? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]



abb

[Oddessa]

If they reverse the Decision , Does this mean I get my Money back ?>?

Nope, decision on night of fight is final unfortunately. For gambling purposes anyway.

[DelReyJ]

Oddessa,

Completely agree on the BS call last night. Those judges were watching the cocktail waitress's more than the fight.



Congratulations on your 5000th post. You are the man !!! I figure I'll get there in 5 years or so [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

DRJ

[Oddessa]

Damn, I didn't even catch the 5000 post. Thanks. Thinking or retiring the name. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

[Michael_DiSanto]

Kelley, Paganelli and Mosley should be banned for life, and fined 100% of their paychecks.

We have a form letter for anyone wanting to express their disgust to Michigan as they investigate the situation. All you have to do is download it, print it, sign it and mail it. One of my avid readers drafted it and sent it to my site to make it easy for boxing fans to voice their protest.

You can download it with this link if you are interested: FORM LETTER HERE (the download is safe as it is hosted on my servers)