Arthur Mercante, Sr. I once saw a televised seminar in which he instructed young referees on how to officiate a match, and I did like how when he scored a bout he broke each rounds into thirds, so he wouldn't be overly influenced by a final moment flurry. Not long before Borders went belly-up, I saw his just published autobiography on the shelf, picked it up and leafed through it. Didn't purchase it, as I'd very long ago since ceased to be a fan of boxing, but it might be worthwhile reading for any continuing fan interested in the subject.
Smoger and Cotton? Not a chance! might as well throw Steele in there. I think Mills Lane was pretty good. Mercante was also good.
it seems he handled EVERY Big fighter from the 30s and 40s, man was there ever an issue of the Ring that he wasn't in? In Britain it was Eugene Henderson and a couple of others for the same period. Later in the UK Harry Gibbs and perhaps the greatest most crooked Dave Parris.
I've just turned 60 (jeez o pete I can't believe it!) I read, years ago, that Harry would be in the ring for, say, a British title bout at, say, welterweight. He would score a bout 144 3/4 to 144 1/2 for the victor and NOONE disagreed with his call. I guess that says something about his objectiveness and insight.
I love Smoger, Frank Capuccino, Tony Weeks, Kenny Bayless. All good. They let fighters bang away and have been part of classic fights. Mills Lane let the ear bite happen twice. First ear bite, and we are done. I am a big Richard Steele guy. He cared about the fighters regardless of everything else. His reply to Larry Merchant at the end of the Taylor-Chavez bout is a class in professionalism under fire. The "Fair but Firm" guy. I forget his name. Get him outta here. When he is in the ring, I cannot deal.
Yeah...as soon as he says that I want to hit mute. I want to say Dude, just break 'em if they lock, watch for the fouls, and get the count right. Other than that, enjoy the fight.
Lane blew his biggest fight though, the Tyson/Holyfield rematch. To let Tyson continue after he had bitten Holyfield's ear, really does not add to Lane's tough guy image. For me Mercante Snr is my number one, Steele number two.