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Kenneth Ragpala
Filipino Boxing Journal
February 4, 2011
“When to stop or not stop a bout is the most difficult and critical decision a Referee has to make in the ring. If done too fast the event is damaged completely. If done too slow the boxer could become seriously hurt or die.” – Excerpt from the WBA Referee Manual
When Jason Pagara of the Philippines thudded a crisp counter left hook to Indonesian Billy Sumba’s jaw in the first round of their encounter last Saturday, Sumba’s ancestors must have felt that punch. Judging by the way he fell to the canvas, there was no chance of him getting up and getting back at Pagara. But in a move that would bedazzle expert boxing minds and casual fans alike, veteran referee Tony Pesons initiated to count Sumba out. But was that even necessary?
This writer is no expert in the art and science of refereeing, but isn’t the referee’s primary concern should be the safety and overall welfare of the boxers who are in the ring with him? After all, the referee is the one designated with the duty to stop a fight if conditions for a halt are met. But why, then, Pesons decided to count Sumba out rather than halt the fight and give the Indonesian the medical attention he desperately deserved? No one but Pesons can give a definitive answer.
But given Pesons’ experience and exposure to the sport, it is highly expected of him to act rapidly for the benefit of the boxers under his eyes. To most people, Pesons failed in that part and is now being criticized for such a huge lapse. He should have called a stop and immediately attended to the fallen Sumba.
The effect of such mistake is huge and adverse. Many now question the quality and competence of Filipino boxing referees. Though many believe that Filipino referees are good at what they do, Pesons’ action last Saturday would really make a curious boxing fan think. When was the last time a Filipino boxing referee was tasked to officiate a HUGE world championship event? When did Philippines ever produced an internationally acclaimed boxing referee since Carlos “Sonny” Padilla?
Looking at the big picture, erroneous officiating by professional and licensed referees has always been a problem. Low blows, elbows, and head butts are already fixtures in any boxing match. But these problems are, to some extent, manageable. But how does a referee deem a fight is over or a boxer is in immediate mortal danger?
According to the Referee Manual of the WBA, there is no written standard on when a referee should call a halt when the health of one or both fighters is the pressing and immediate concern. But there are tell tale signs that can help a referee immediately make the decision. These signs include:
* Strong fatigue
* Change of skin color
* Open mouth or poor breathing
* Unbalanced gait or stance
* Lack of muscle control
* Disorientation
* Dazed look
* Nausea or vomiting
* Claims of severe headaches or earaches
* Pupillary changes
* Bad cuts, lacerations, or swelling.
With Pesons high standing as a licensed boxing official in the Philippine boxing scene, his experience should have been able to help him recognize the danger Sumba was in. It can’t be denied that Pesons made a colossal error in judgment. Although Sumba was able to exit the ring in his own two feet, Pesons, and all other professional boxing referees and all boxing authorities, must make sure such mistake would never happen again.
There are quite a few instances where referees failed to act quickly and decisively. And in a number of these cases, boxers often suffered lifelong injuries or even died as a result. The referee may be the man in charge of the action. But he should not forget, it is in his hands where boxers place their lives every time they step inside the squared circle and beat the crap out of each other for a living and a chance at glory.
Filipino Boxing Journal
February 4, 2011
“When to stop or not stop a bout is the most difficult and critical decision a Referee has to make in the ring. If done too fast the event is damaged completely. If done too slow the boxer could become seriously hurt or die.” – Excerpt from the WBA Referee Manual
When Jason Pagara of the Philippines thudded a crisp counter left hook to Indonesian Billy Sumba’s jaw in the first round of their encounter last Saturday, Sumba’s ancestors must have felt that punch. Judging by the way he fell to the canvas, there was no chance of him getting up and getting back at Pagara. But in a move that would bedazzle expert boxing minds and casual fans alike, veteran referee Tony Pesons initiated to count Sumba out. But was that even necessary?
This writer is no expert in the art and science of refereeing, but isn’t the referee’s primary concern should be the safety and overall welfare of the boxers who are in the ring with him? After all, the referee is the one designated with the duty to stop a fight if conditions for a halt are met. But why, then, Pesons decided to count Sumba out rather than halt the fight and give the Indonesian the medical attention he desperately deserved? No one but Pesons can give a definitive answer.
But given Pesons’ experience and exposure to the sport, it is highly expected of him to act rapidly for the benefit of the boxers under his eyes. To most people, Pesons failed in that part and is now being criticized for such a huge lapse. He should have called a stop and immediately attended to the fallen Sumba.
The effect of such mistake is huge and adverse. Many now question the quality and competence of Filipino boxing referees. Though many believe that Filipino referees are good at what they do, Pesons’ action last Saturday would really make a curious boxing fan think. When was the last time a Filipino boxing referee was tasked to officiate a HUGE world championship event? When did Philippines ever produced an internationally acclaimed boxing referee since Carlos “Sonny” Padilla?
Looking at the big picture, erroneous officiating by professional and licensed referees has always been a problem. Low blows, elbows, and head butts are already fixtures in any boxing match. But these problems are, to some extent, manageable. But how does a referee deem a fight is over or a boxer is in immediate mortal danger?
According to the Referee Manual of the WBA, there is no written standard on when a referee should call a halt when the health of one or both fighters is the pressing and immediate concern. But there are tell tale signs that can help a referee immediately make the decision. These signs include:
* Strong fatigue
* Change of skin color
* Open mouth or poor breathing
* Unbalanced gait or stance
* Lack of muscle control
* Disorientation
* Dazed look
* Nausea or vomiting
* Claims of severe headaches or earaches
* Pupillary changes
* Bad cuts, lacerations, or swelling.
With Pesons high standing as a licensed boxing official in the Philippine boxing scene, his experience should have been able to help him recognize the danger Sumba was in. It can’t be denied that Pesons made a colossal error in judgment. Although Sumba was able to exit the ring in his own two feet, Pesons, and all other professional boxing referees and all boxing authorities, must make sure such mistake would never happen again.
There are quite a few instances where referees failed to act quickly and decisively. And in a number of these cases, boxers often suffered lifelong injuries or even died as a result. The referee may be the man in charge of the action. But he should not forget, it is in his hands where boxers place their lives every time they step inside the squared circle and beat the crap out of each other for a living and a chance at glory.
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