The Best Referee Ever?

[Rockin']

I can't judge that, haven't seen enough refs in action. My favorite ref ever is easily Frank Garza. I saw him plenty, as he worked a good number of my bouts, in my amateur days. I don't recall him working one of my pro bouts. But through the whole time I never had any issues with his refereeing. And he is one cool man as a person. Love that guy! …….Rockin'

[JAB5239]

I can't judge that, haven't seen enough refs in action. My favorite ref ever is easily Frank Garza. I saw him plenty, as he worked a good number of my bouts, in my amateur days. I don't recall him working one of my pro bouts. But through the whole time I never had any issues with his refereeing. And he is one cool man as a person. Love that guy! …….Rockin'

Before his unfortunate suicide, Mitch Halpren (sp)? Was touted very highly. I don't know of any referee's to escape some sort of criticism unscathed though. It's a job much more difficult than it looks.

[smeck]

Before his unfortunate suicide, Mitch Halpren (sp)? Was touted very highly. I don't know of any referee's to escape some sort of criticism unscathed though. It's a job much more difficult than it looks.

Yes, young Mitch Halpern seemed like he was going to be one of the best. There was some speculation that his demise, as well as referee Richard Green's, had something to do with guilt over not stopping a fight soon enough.

Arthur Mercante may be the best, although Mlls Lane, Mercante Jr. and Frank Cappuccino didn't seem to have too many questionable controversies. Frank always had that sad Klugman-esque expression and an amusing "ah-ah-ah," verbal warning when fighters were holding. I don't recall Tony Perez or Carlos Padilla as prone to too many gaffes.

[QueensburyRules]

Yes, young Mitch Halpern seemed like he was going to be one of the best. There was some speculation that his demise, as well as referee Richard Green's, had something to do with guilt over not stopping a fight soon enough.

Arthur Mercante may be the best, although Mlls Lane, Mercante Jr. and Frank Cappuccino didn't seem to have too many questionable controversies. Frank always had that sad Klugman-esque expression and an amusing "ah-ah-ah," verbal warning when fighters were holding. I don't recall Tony Perez or Carlos Padilla as prone to too many gaffes.

- -I wouldn't have Mercante Jr judge a dog fight.

I'd put in for steve smoger though he succombed to $ his last fights. Undersung Ron Lipton a good shout. Keeps hisself in fighting shape and one of Ali's speed merchant low slung sparring partners back in the day.

[The Old LefHook]

The best there ever was and the best there ever can be was Mills Lane, some knowledgable folk say. I liked Halpern too. Mercante junior awfully good.

[The Old LefHook]

Crappy system that will not allow a duplicate post to be easily deleted!

[JAB5239]

Yes, young Mitch Halpern seemed like he was going to be one of the best. There was some speculation that his demise, as well as referee Richard Green's, had something to do with guilt over not stopping a fight soon enough.

Arthur Mercante may be the best, although Mlls Lane, Mercante Jr. and Frank Cappuccino didn't seem to have too many questionable controversies. Frank always had that sad Klugman-esque expression and an amusing "ah-ah-ah," verbal warning when fighters were holding. I don't recall Tony Perez or Carlos Padilla as prone to too many gaffes.

Padilla didn't have the same recognition as some of the others but was always solid from what I recall. Good about out!

[travestyny]

Speaking of Arthur Mercante Jr., years ago when Judah fought Cotto, I could have sworn that at the point of the foul when Zab was complaining, Mercante said to Zab, "Come on, we're practically family" loudly enough that the mics must have picked it up.

Now...I could be completely making that up....I've always wanted to go back to the fight and see if that's there, but I haven't done so yet. Maybe I will today.

Honestly, I didn't know how I felt about that. I mean his work in the fight was impeccable so of course no reason to complain, but it was just interesting how these camps (?) intermingle. Again, not that there's necessarily anything wrong with this besides the obvious possibilities when refs and fighters can be "like family" behind the scenes, but just interesting. I wonder how far back they go. Ams?

If you recall hearing it during the fight, let me know. If it's all a figment of my imagination, I apologize for making you read this far

[Mooon]

Carlos Padilla was good.

[Willie Pep 229]

Carlos Padilla was good.

I am with you I liked the guy, because in Montreal he let Duran-Leonard fight, a lesser referee would have over involved himself (Lane/Steele) trying to force the fight back into a boxing match, instead Padilla let the fighters fight.