Protection of A-Sides

[al-Xander]

There was no A-side in the Thurman vs Garcia fight, but Swift was so used to getting gift decisions he didn't do enough. Father and son team was even expecting a win prior to the announcement. So the judging definitely affects how fighters fight.

[Mammoth]

Exactly my thoughts.

I don't remember other gifts.

[j0zef]

And why are they expected to give him rounds?

Because Ward is the technician. Kovalev dominated early and dropped him, which was what was expected out of him. As soon as it turned into a boxing match, everyone (including me scoring live) started giving rounds to Ward.

[Ray*]

I don't remember other gifts.

Whitaker, Ike

[Ray*]

Because Ward is the technician. Kovalev dominated early and dropped him, which was what was expected out of him. As soon as it turned into a boxing match, everyone (including me scoring live) started giving rounds to Ward.

I didn't, don't see how Ward won their first fight even up till now.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

Because Ward is the technician. Kovalev dominated early and dropped him, which was what was expected out of him. As soon as it turned into a boxing match, everyone (including me scoring live) started giving rounds to Ward.

But isn't that a BS mentality? So what if he's a technician? If he's not winning the rounds, I'm not giving them to him. I see what you're saying but that is very flawed logic. If a fight turns into a technical fight and one fighter is a technician, doesn't mean he should automatically pick up rounds. Part of the problem might actually be how fans are perceiving fights. Lots of assumptions.

[daggum]

Because Ward is the technician. Kovalev dominated early and dropped him, which was what was expected out of him. As soon as it turned into a boxing match, everyone (including me scoring live) started giving rounds to Ward.

sounds like a self fulfilling prophecy to me. wards the better technician therefore if its a boxing match he automatically wins yet if you actually watch the fight....very different story. it was a boxing match the entire time...kov was just a better boxer and landed the better punches. ward was the one who turned it into a dirty grapplin match because he couldnt box with kovalev so your false narrative isnt even true.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

sounds like a self fulfilling prophecy to me. wards the better technician therefore if its a boxing match he automatically wins yet if you actually watch the fight....very different story. it was a boxing match the entire time...kov was just a better boxer and landed the better punches. ward was the one who turned it into a dirty grapplin match because he couldnt box with kovalev so your false narrative isnt even true.

I think this is what I'm really getting at. People have A-side mentality like their guy cannot lose. As if it's impossible their great technician could lose a fight. It's like a mental disease. You automatically start giving him rounds because of his style. This is lunacy.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

PBC has long used the formula of protecting their A-side by milking their titles and undefeated records against C-rate fighters. After losing $500M dollars over three years they are now forced to match their A-sides against other A-sides. This should be an interesting year or two ahead.

Good! I'm tired of seeing good fighters fight subpar guys and get a million dollars for doing so. It's really gotten to be a joke.

[j0zef]

But isn't that a BS mentality? So what if he's a technician? If he's not winning the rounds, I'm not giving them to him. I see what you're saying but that is very flawed logic. If a fight turns into a technical fight and one fighter is a technician, doesn't mean he should automatically pick up rounds. Part of the problem might actually be how fans are perceiving fights. Lots of assumptions.

I think this is what I'm really getting at. People have A-side mentality like their guy cannot lose. As if it's impossible their great technician could lose a fight. It's like a mental disease. You automatically start giving him rounds because of his style. This is lunacy.

But that's exactly the point. Ward was NOT the "A side". If he was, it was by a tiny amount that is insignificant. That was an even match with both fighters equally known and popular. His STYLE is what made the judges give him the rounds, especially since they were contrasted with Kovalev's style and reputation.

My argument is that it's not the A side vs. B side that often determines bad judging - it's the style.