Steve Smoger what a POS ref

[Cuauhtémoc1520]

Smoger is a good ref but I think he should have stopped the fight the round before. Saying that, I also think the DR had a say in it because he gave Tapia the test and he passed. He wasn't concussed and seemed ok when they tested him for it.

His corner should have stopped it, but what really pissed me off was the cheap shot by Kirkland at the end. Smoger was clearly in between them, and he still managed to get a shot off and even called him a b1tch...(read his lips)

Kirkland is a true bad guy and I can't wait to see him knocked the *** out again. I wish they would do a re-match with Angulo so he can be seriously punished.

[Tom Cruise]

Smoger is a good ref but I think he should have stopped the fight the round before. Saying that, I also think the DR had a say in it because he gave Tapia the test and he passed. He wasn't concussed and seemed ok when they tested him for it.

His corner should have stopped it, but what really pissed me off was the cheap shot by Kirkland at the end. Smoger was clearly in between them, and he still managed to get a shot off and even called him a b1tch...(read his lips)

Kirkland is a true bad guy and I can't wait to see him knocked the *** out again. I wish they would do a re-match with Angulo so he can be seriously punished.

Kirkland would be a good pick for one of the big guns at 154 Imo. Easy bad guy image sell, has some momentum but in general just isn't that good. Dodgy defence and dodgy chin make him a good ko candidate aswell.

Canelo would beat him up. As would Floyd, Lara, (new) Angulo, Molina etc

[BMWM3P]

There should only be one referee and his name is Steve Smoger. Best in the business by far.

[WilkinsOlajuwon]

Clearly the TS hasnt seen much of Smoger.

[-Antonio-]

Smoger is a good ref but I think he should have stopped the fight the round before. Saying that, I also think the DR had a say in it because he gave Tapia the test and he passed. He wasn't concussed and seemed ok when they tested him for it.

His corner should have stopped it, but what really pissed me off was the cheap shot by Kirkland at the end. Smoger was clearly in between them, and he still managed to get a shot off and even called him a b1tch...(read his lips)

Kirkland is a true bad guy and I can't wait to see him knocked the *** out again. I wish they would do a re-match with Angulo so he can be seriously punished.

Exactly. Kirkland is not getting enough heat for that final blow.

[-=Shade=-]

I'd take that stoppage over a Froch fiasco any day. The first line of conscience and common sense should be the corner. They're the ones that know the fighter and know his prospects best.

OK, maybe two punches earlier, but those bombs were already on-route.

[Chrismart]

Smoger has been a great ref, he's slipping now though IMO.
He was far away from the action alot in the Kirkland fight.

I'm all for letting guys fight..letting them be punchbags though?

[BostonGuy]

Exactly. Kirkland is not getting enough heat for that final blow.

Yeah, I haven't seen any threads and little mention of Kirkland's conduct at the stoppage. I watched the replay a couple times and it was clear that Smoger had stepped in to stop the fight but Kirkland just kept going. Kirkland's adrenaline level was obviously amped up but he should have restrained himself.

[-MAKAVELLI-]

Smoger has been in the game for a loooong time and his reputation is well known...fighters/promoters/managers KNOW what they're getting into when they sign up for him


i personally love Smoger

[The Big Dunn]

Smoger is an excellent ref but even excellent refs have errors in judgement.

With the caveat that I was rooting for Tapia-this fight couldve been stoppd earlier.

If this was 2 seasoned vets I'd agree with posters who say let it go. But Tapia is a very young guy who clearly after round 4 was way in over his head. His corner was as well.

The ref and the dr needed to save Tapia from those who were wishing and hoping for a Gatti like miracle.