Hopkins robbed in LA

If you ever wanted proof that boxing referees can be as blinkered as Bryce Lawrence, then watch replays of the Hopkins vs Dawson fight: it was one of the most ridiculous decisions in boxing history.

The fight was expected to see Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins extend his tenure as the world’s oldest major title holder ,but in the second round of his title defence against “Bad” Chad Dawson at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, Dawson picked Hopkins up and threw him against the ropes.

Hopkins landed badly on his left shoulder, writhing in agony on the canvas, claiming that his shoulder was dislocated. The referee Pat “Who?” Russell claimed that he didn’t see any foul, so as Hopkins was unable to continue, he called a TKO in favour of Dawson, who was awarded the Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Championship of the world.

The fight should have been called a “no contest” or Dawson should have been disqualified, but to give the fight to Dawson on a WWE move was the least expected outcome, which will obviously be debated and questioned for days to come. –  David Blood, SportsCentral