By Jordan Sargent: As fans were being entertained with great world title fights last Saturday night between Erik Morales (52-7 KO36) V Pablo Cesar Cano (22-1-1 KO17) and Saul Alvarez V Alfonso Gomez (25-3-2 KO12) no one could have foreseen what would happen next.
The main event had been greatly built up by media and fans alike as the (once again) return of Floyd May weather (42-0 KO 26) who had been inactive since his points victory over Shane Mosley 15 months earlier. His opponent was promoted as the young, hungry and hard hitting southpaw Victor Ortiz (29-3-2 KO 22) who’s impressive win over an undefeated Andre Berto had claimed him the WBC Welterweight championship.
The promotion left the world eager to view the entertaining “battle“, and of course it did live up to the hype. Maybe a different and unpredicted type of entertainment, but entertaining nonetheless. As “Pretty Boy” Floyd landed that last left hook, straight right which ultimately ended the bout, it was the beginning of controversy and debate amongst the boxing world. Was it an illegal “sucker punch“? Should Ortiz have defended himself at all times? And what in the hell was the “experienced” Joe Cortez doing? For me, all three of those issues should be addressed.
In this writers opinion the punch was legal. On assessing the action it is clear to see Joe Cortez telling the fighters to continue and whilst he was instructing the time keeper to continue, Mayweather threw the punches. Although Mayweather’s actions may not be considered “sportsman like”, the referee had given him the nod to continue fighting, and the future hall of famer seized on an opportunity presented to him. I believe that most fighters in the exact situation would have acted in a similar fashion as it was a golden opportunity to get a competitive edge or even finish the fight.
One must not forget the head butt which Ortiz delivered to Mayweather. Even though “Vicious” stated after the fight that it was unintentional, the way in which he thrusted his forehead at Mayweather speaks for itself. The reality is that the head butt could have caused a significant amount of damage and was truly beyond the rules of boxing. However, it was decent of Ortiz to continuously offer his apologies, although I am sure he is regretting it now.
Whilst all of these scenes were being beamed to millions around the world, probably the most shocking part for this writer is the diabolical performance of referee Joe Cortez. I believe that the word diabolical to explain his performance is nothing short of a compliment! The true reality of Joe Cortez’s role (like every boxing referee) that night was firstly to protect both fighter’s health and secondly to officiate the fight. Both of these unwritten rules were well and truly shredded by Cortez.
It would be nearly impossible to find footage of a referee instructing the boxers to continue fighting and then tell the time keeper to continue. By doing this in the Mayweather V Ortiz fight, he totally lost control of the situation. I can understand if someone believes that Ortiz should have protected himself at all times but I can also sympathise to an extent with Victor Ortiz. Joe Cortez created a situation of absolute shambles and confusion leaving Ortiz wondering what was going on. If Cortez had taken the point off Ortiz, then instructed the time keeper to continue and finally told the boxers to continue (which is the correct way) there would not be this controversy. Simply because Mayweather would not have ended the fight the way he did. It is this reason which leads me to suggest that Cortez is no longer fit enough to officiate boxing matches. The harsh reality is that if he cannot perform someone may get seriously hurt or worse.
I am fearful that the controversy has overshadowed what was a brilliant performance from Floyd Mayweather. He did not showcase the speed and sharpness of a man who had been inactive for 15 months and the “ring rust” which many had predicted simply did not make an appearance. The tactics used were effective and it was clear Ortiz did not like the pressure which Floyd presented. He then followed up by frustrating Ortiz when he allowed him to have flurries which were easily dealt with by Floyd’s defensive mastery. I believe Ortiz neglected the body too much and may have found more success in adopting that tactic. Even though his corner were imploring him to go for the body he still put much emphasis on the head and this is where Mayweather was able to counter Ortiz with ease. The southpaw stance of Ortiz was exploited by Mayweather despite having a reputation of struggling against southpaws, the straight right hand was landed at will on Ortiz which as we know is key to beating a southpaw.
So what next for both fighters? I do not believe Ortiz is dented too much by this as the controversial ending overshadows the fact that he was being outclassed by Mayweather, even though there is no shame in that. I cannot see Ortiz getting a rematch, but still has many options available to him. If Pacquiao beats Marquez, and does not agree terms with Mayweather (which does not seem possible) could Ortiz be a potential opponent for the “Pacman”?. I cannot see why not, as Mayweather and Pacquiao seem to enjoy sharing opponents to contrast each others performance against them. Maybe a rematch with Berto could be an option? I am sure Ortiz would like to capture the IBF title and I am sure Berto would like to avenge his only defeat.
As for Mayweather, who knows? Maybe a defence of his title against 80 year old Larry Merchant after their soap opera interview.
Find me on face book or twitter- Jordan Sargent, Location: Ammanford, Wales
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