Let's give credit where credit is due here.
Had ANY other ref been in there last night, we might not have been witness to the same absolute classic that we were treated to last night. Face it, there are many, many refs who would have found a way to screw things up during a fight like that, but Weeks kept his composure throughout, didn't panic like a lot of officials would have done & did an EXCELLENT job.
After last night, he's my new favorite referee.
With Castillo's cut & the swollen condition of Carrales' eyes, most officials would have found an excuse to call it between rounds, especially with the shape that Carrales left eye was in, but Weeks allowed the corners to do their jobs.
And, had the other refs let it get into that unforgettable 10th round, most of them would have waved it off after the second knockdown without even bothering to count. But Weeks made it a point to look closely into each fighter's eyes all fight long & by doing so, he was able to keep tabs on each fighter's ability to continue & intelligently defend themselves. And, despite the knockdowns, Weeks knew that somehow, someway
Carrales was actually on steadier legs & had a clearer head than Castillo.
Which, Carrales proved seconds later.
The stoppage?
It was perfect in my eyes. One punch sooner & it would have been premature & one shot more & we could have witnessed a tragedy.
So, let's remember that there were actually three men in that ring last night & all three of them rose to the occasion & performed brilliantly.
Had ANY other ref been in there last night, we might not have been witness to the same absolute classic that we were treated to last night. Face it, there are many, many refs who would have found a way to screw things up during a fight like that, but Weeks kept his composure throughout, didn't panic like a lot of officials would have done & did an EXCELLENT job.
After last night, he's my new favorite referee.
With Castillo's cut & the swollen condition of Carrales' eyes, most officials would have found an excuse to call it between rounds, especially with the shape that Carrales left eye was in, but Weeks allowed the corners to do their jobs.
And, had the other refs let it get into that unforgettable 10th round, most of them would have waved it off after the second knockdown without even bothering to count. But Weeks made it a point to look closely into each fighter's eyes all fight long & by doing so, he was able to keep tabs on each fighter's ability to continue & intelligently defend themselves. And, despite the knockdowns, Weeks knew that somehow, someway
Carrales was actually on steadier legs & had a clearer head than Castillo. Which, Carrales proved seconds later.
The stoppage?
It was perfect in my eyes. One punch sooner & it would have been premature & one shot more & we could have witnessed a tragedy.
So, let's remember that there were actually three men in that ring last night & all three of them rose to the occasion & performed brilliantly.
Comment