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WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO REFEREE WARD-DAWSON

By Steve Smoger as told to Doveed Linder

Top BB Referee Steve Smoger discusses his experiences as the third man in the ring for the Andre Ward-Chad Dawson super middleweight world championship fight, which Ward won via tenth-round technical knockout.

STEVE SMOGER: As a referee who normally works on the east coast, I was delighted that the California Commission selected me to work the Andre Ward-Chad Dawson fight. It was a dual title fight, as Ward’s WBC and WBA [168-pound] titles were both on the line. Everything was handled beautifully by everyone involved. Kathi Burns and chief inspector Che Guevara with the California Commission treated me with a lot of respect and professionalism, as did [sanctioning body supervisors] Peter Stucki with the WBC and Bob Mack with the WBA. Being that I was being licensed as a professional referee in the state of California for the first time, I had to get a complete physical which was conducted by Dr. Smithson, the chief physician of the fight. The weigh-in and pre-fight ceremonies took place in downtown Oakland. Andre Ward had a strong crowd out there to support him. It was his first fight back in Oakland since he won the Super Six, so this was something of a homecoming. The Dawson camp was very happy to see the involvement of east coast officials like myself and Julie Lederman, who was one of the judges. They commended the California Commission for their fairness.

Before the fight, I went into the fighters’ dressing rooms to give instructions. Andre Ward was all business, but he was very respectful. I congratulated Andre and his trainer Virgil Hunter on winning the Super Six. I had the privilege of working Andre’s last fight with Carl Froch and I told him that I was looking forward to working with him again. The last time I worked a Chad Dawson fight was in 2005 when he defeated Carl Daniels. [Trainer] John Scully, who reunited with Dawson somewhat recently, was in Dawson’s corner for that fight. I actually worked a few of John Scully’s fights in New England back when he was a youngster coming up, so I was very familiar with everyone involved.

For this fight, HBO requested that both referees wear ‘ref cams’, meaning we were going to wear a small camera throughout the fight that was supposed to show the referee’s perspective of the action. I tentatively agreed to wear the camera. My only concern was that I didn’t want anything to impede my ability to move around the ring. As it turned out, there was no need for concern, because I didn’t end up wearing it. Before Ward-Dawson, I took a seat in the official’s dressing room to watch [the preceding bout] Antonio DeMarco- John Molina. That fight, of course, ended in forty-four seconds. HBO only had one ‘ref cam’, which was worn by referee Jack Reiss who was working DeMarco-Molina. I thought we would have a little time between fights so I could put the camera on, but before I knew it, the chief inspector told me it was time to get in the ring.

When I got into the ring, the whole atmosphere had a certain intensity about it. I attribute that to the fact that we were in Andre Ward’s hometown. When I worked the Ward-Froch fight in Atlantic City, it didn’t have the same electricity as Ward-Dawson. The bell rang and both fighters were focused and determined. Chad gave a good account of himself in rounds one and two. In the third round, Andre caught him and dropped him. It was a good clean punch. Chad popped right up and shook his head, letting me know he was able to continue. In round four, Andre caught him again and Chad went down. As Andre was circling away, he tripped over Chad’s feet and he went down as well. However, I saw his punch land, so of course, I ruled it a knockdown. This time when Chad got up, he didn’t have the same energy and eagerness that he did in the third round. I could see that he was dazed by the punch.

In round five, I saw a change in strategy from Chad. When they got close, he started clinching. I’m used to Andre working inside with one hand free, but Chad was clinching with both hands. I stayed out of it as much as I could, but I had to break them a few times, because Chad was using the clinches to stall the action. From rounds six through nine, Andre imposed his will and his skill and he began to wear Chad down. There were certain energy bursts from Chad where he would open up and throw a combination, but Andre would stifle Chad’s aggressiveness with moves of his own. The beginning of the end came in the tenth round when they were along the ropes. Andre let go with a series of uppercuts at close quarters and I could hear the impact of the punches. Chad went backwards, got caught, and dropped to a knee. He got up at the count of three and I continued to give him an eight-count. At the count of six, I asked him how he felt. At that point, he told me he was done. I told him I was going to stop it and he nodded in agreement.

I am a referee who does everything he can to allow a fight to come to its natural conclusion. That being said, I can tell you with absolute certainty that Chad gave me everything he had. This was not an instance where he quit or said “no mas”. He did his best and when he got up from the third knockdown, he didn’t have a realistic opportunity of winning the fight. I embraced him, walked him back to his corner, and called the doctor in. I then went over to Andre’s corner and congratulated him. I said, “Let me raise your hand before HBO gets you.” He smiled and we took a walk with his hand in the air. As Andre said before the fight, the last piece of his puzzle was to work on finishing his opponent and that was apparent. He did a beautiful job and it’s a pleasure to watch him perfect his craft.

In my view, Chad Dawson’s next bout is crucial. He needs to successfully defend his light heavyweight title [which was not on the line vs. Ward] and I believe he can do it. If he gets a win, people will easily forget this fight at 168 and he will be right back where he was after the Hopkins fight. At the weigh-in, I thought Chad looked a bit gaunt. I don’t want to say he was drained, but he didn’t look quite as healthy as I’ve seen him in the past. It could be that the seven-pound difference from 175 to 168 made a big difference. However, I don’t want to take anything away from Andre Ward’s victory, because he is clearly one of the best fighters in the game. No question. Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are at the tail-end of their careers, but we have a lot to look forward to with fighters like Andre Ward and Chad Dawson who are now making their mark. There are no warriors like the warriors of our sport and it was an honor for me to share the ring with them.

Interview on the BOXINGTALK

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WKN MALTA SEMINAR

Seminar Instructor: Osman YIGIN

TALE OF THE TAPE

Yigin Haci Osman was a sixteen times world champion and twenty eight times European champion in Thai boxing / Kickboxing and Full contact and is considered as one of the best lightweights ever in kickboxing and thaiboxing history.

Yigin Osman was born June 3, 1971. At the age of six years he started training TAIDO , a Japanese martial art and at the age of 12 he started Thai boxing.

He had few amateur bouts but he won all of these by KO.

In 1985 at the age of 15, he made his professional debut against Rachid Elherdmi Class A in a event promoted by Master Kouider. Afterwards, he fought in the ring in many countires against such opposition as Thomas Seiler, Yassin (champion of Radja stadium ) Anukun, Singyaboune, Pongpilla, Kotsur, Abel El Qandil . gilbert Balantine , Fabrice Allouche ,Andrei Kobke, Kobayashi and many other established fighters.

In total, he has a record of 198 fights, 170 victories, including 81 victories by knockout, 26 losses and 2 draws.

In 1998 he founded THE OSMAN GYM , while continuing to compete until 2003.

On the 16 of February 2003, he fought his last TYhai boxing fight in his hometown of Charleroi in Belgium against Ukrainian Yuri Sharov for a world title WKN of -64,400 kg division . Not to disappoint his audience, Osman decided to go for 4 weeks at Chowatana Bangkok training camp to train for the fight … Osman became WKN world champion for the 16th time in his life on a win by points in a very excited contest .

He has been in charge of WKN Belgium for the last 15 years and of WKN TURKEY for the last 3 years. He is also a WKN international supervisor , International trainer and also a Biggers Better referee .

Nowadays he is the trainer of famous European and World champions, the likes of Laurent PERIQUET , Yacine MAIHON , Alan GODZICKI , Lefterio PEREGO , Rafael GIRARDI , Pepe PANEPINTO

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By Rio

London - Wednesday, 16th February 2011

Mitchell Balker Added To Unleash The Fury At York Hall 5th March

Exciting London based Dutch Cruiserweight prospect Mitchell Balker is to make his third UK outing, against Doncaster’s John Anthony, at the Steve Goodwin promoted ‘UNLEASH THE FURY’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Saturday 5th March 2011.

Balker’s performance on his last outing, against Nick Okoth at the excellent Graham Earl promoted ‘Capital Punishment’ Event in January, was pure quality.

Balker’s savvy ring craft proved to be too much for ‘The Ox’. Right from the start Balker controlled the fight utilising crisp jabs to keep Okoth on the defensive before moving in to land solid jabs and right hands before stepping aside to thwart any return salvos from the heavy handed Okoth.

Round two see Okoth charge from his corner before swinging wildly in a effort to gain a semblance of control. Balker kept calm and stayed out of trouble by moving out of range and occasionally letting rip with clinical lefts and rights that slowed the advancing Okoth considerably.

Round three see Balker step things up a notch and just plain out box Okoth with crisp jabs and wicked combinations. Each time Okoth advanced Balker would let him back him onto the ropes before spinning Okoth and launching a controlled attack of his own. Often to the head but sometimes with a peach of a three punch combination that ended with a solid left to the body.

Round four was more of the same and it was no surprise that come the final bell the referee declared Balker the winner by a clear 40-36 points margin.

Following a training session at the Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London, Balker spoke of the bout with Nick Okoth as well as the upcoming fight with John Anthony, “As always I am in good shape, I’m always in the gym . I’m ready for it, I’m ready to go.

I enjoyed my last fight against Nick Okoth. I had good training, I did what I was supposed to do. Good Boxing, crisp good jab and yeah I did a good job.

On the 5th what you are going to see is Mitchell Balker in top condition and I’m ready to go. If it goes longer rounds, then I’m ready to go longer rounds. If it’s an early stoppage, then it’s an early stoppage. I’m just happy to fight again.

I’ve been sparring with good guys. I’ve been sparring with Manny (Emmanuel Oshunrinde), our very own Manny Pacquiao, I’ve sparred with Leon (Southern Area Cruiserweight Champ Leon ‘Solid’ Williams), I sparred today with a Heavyweight, I sparred with Caine (Caine Brodie). Caine will be on the same show.

TKO is a very good gym, very good gym for sparring. I spar three or four times in a week. You’ve got terrific sparring here. TKO gym is a good gym for sparring.

Let’s just make a good show of it. Lets have Caine win and me win. It’s a good thing, a good thing.”

Johnny Eames, Balker’s manager and co-trainer, then added, “Mitchell is in action again on the 5th March against John Anthony.

We’re really pleased for Mitchell, our TKO Box Office site has enabled us to give Mitchell a couple of fights as the house fighter which I think all prospects, which I consider Mitchell a prospect, deserve to be the house fighters.

I’m pretty certain from his attitude and his application and his training that he’ll put in another good performance. You know and then if myself and Rio can keep him in the house corner, through our TKO Box Office site, then so be it and I’m sure he’ll prosper from it.

Yeah, I’m pretty certain it’ll be another good win for Mitchell.”

Mitchell Balker versus John Anthony will be main support to Toks Owoh versus Billy Boyle at the Steve Goodwin promoted ‘Unleash The Fury’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 5th March 2011.

The Unleash The Fury undercard features some of London’s best upcoming talents and including Balker’s Ultrachem TKO Gym mate ‘Dynamo’ Daryl Setterfield against Birmingham’s Andrew ‘Paddy’ Patterson.

Minster. Kent Light Heavyweight Dan ‘Woody’ Woodgate gets his third outing against Retford’s Lee Nicholson and Waltham Abbey Light Welterweight Phil Gill looks to take his unbeaten run to ten against Aysham’s Scott Moises.

Luton Lightweight Michael ‘Chunky’ Devine makes his welcome return to the ring, following his coveted ‘0’ to Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander last year, and will be looking to get back to winning ways against the highly experienced Daniel Thorpe.

Biggleswade Light Middleweight Jamie Boness will be looking to extend his unbeaten record against Guildford’s Louis Byrne and Woolwich Super Middleweight Eder Kurti faces Welsh banger Jamie Ambler.

Unbeaten, in twelve, Hackney Middleweight Wayne Alwan-Arab is set to face Tooting based Bulgarian Danny Dontchev.

Another of Balker’s Ultrachem TKO gym mates, Caine Brodie, also features on the card against a yet to be named opponent.

Making their pro debuts at ‘Unleash The Fury’ are Harlesden Lightweight Met Sekiraqa, against Robin Deakin and former World Kick Boxing Champion, Llir Canolli, from Cosavo, against a yet to be named opponent.

Tickets for Unleash The Fury at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 5th March 2011 are on sale now - priced £35 (Unreserved) or £60 (Ringside).

For tickets call: 07960 850645, book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at The Ultrachem TKO Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.

PHOTOS
Mitchell Balker with Johnny Eames at York Hall In January
Mitchell Balker in action against Nick Okoth at York Hall in January
Mitchell Balker Victorious At York Hall In January

PHOTO CREDIT
Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
JustListen2This Publicity & Promotion

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BY ROBERT QUIJANO

As the guest of Golden Boy’s Solo Boxeo announcer and friend, Joe A. Martinez, I went to my first boxing event in the States since 2005. It was that dreaded night in Las Vegas watching Winky Wright pick apart my hero and friend Felix “Tito” Trinidad. That was a heartbreaking night for all Boricuas! Although I have attended many fights in Puerto Rico, I had the opportunity to catch up and attend this event with my good friend and author of “The Last Boxing Fan,” Pedro Reyna. Pedro and I go way back and I guess with our knowledge and passion for boxing, you could call us the modern day Bert Sugar and Larry Merchant, with Pedro being Larry Merchant.

These Solo Boxeo bouts were originally scheduled for Vacaville but due to the large capacity expected, the event was moved to Fairfield. The action started with Guy Robb energizing the crowd with a unanimous decision over local favorite Omar Sanchez. The 2nd bout had Fidel Maldonado Jr winning by 2nd round TKO over Carlos Hernandez. Maldonado Jr put Hernandez down 3 times in the bout until the referee’s stoppage in the 2nd. The 3rd bout and first televised bout was an eight round action packed fight between local favorite Alan Sanchez taking on John Grimaldo. Sanchez rocked Grimaldo but Grimaldo showed his heart and his beard in getting up and pressing the action. Sanchez scored the cleaner blows but Grimaldo would not give up. The 4th bout and Main Event had Cuban American Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin taking on journey man Dennis Sharpe. Quillin controlled the action and peppered Sharpe with continuous combinations. Following Sharpe around the ring, Quillin looked impressive in his connections and ring management. Sharpe was battered enough and the referee called a stop to the action in the 4th round. Quillin looked very “sharp” in this bout and is a definite fighter to look out for. “Kid Chocolate” lived up to his nickname and tossed out chocolate to the crowd after the bout was ended in victory. The final bout of the evening showed Manuel “Tino” Avila facing Jose Garcia. Local favorite Avila did not disappoint and made the most of his bout not knowing if it would be televised or not (it was). The crowd chanted “Tino! Tino” and “Tino worked the ring like an experienced champion boxer, avoiding Garcia with his movement and stepping in with two and three punch combinations. Avila had his hand raised in victory as Garcia could not handle the onslaught.

This was a night of “Stepping up.” These fighters although not that well known around the world or even this country for that matter, made the most of their opportunities to shine in front of the cameras. A fighter needs exposure and needs to capitalize on the chance when it is given. These young fighters did that today and you can be sure we will be seeing much more of them. Before the night had ended, I thanked Joe for the excellent seats and we agreed to catch up the next time he is in town. Pedro gave a copy of his book to Joe, Quillin, and local Sacramento boxing matchmaker Edward Rodriguez (former Golden Gloves champion in the early 80′s). Others also in attendance were 175lb prospect Jayson Hubbard, respected Woodland trainer Ricardo Carillo, famed promoter Don Chargin, and many others. It was an excellent night to watch these fighters Step Up!

ROBERT QUIJANO

February 11 - 2001

Lose Weight Fast: The Easy Way

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