The referee did no favours for Usyk or Rico

The referee does have the authority to immediately disqualify a boxer for intentionally spitting out a mouthpiece. Even on the first offense. Its just common/tradition to apply the rules is an escalation way. You're right though there is discretion whether to be harsh or soft with the rules. Was Tony Weekes too soft ? Makes a good discussion

 

I'm the same as you, even said it myself in the RDR thread.

But I only technically defend the referee because I see the job from his view.

If the referee allowed the fight to go to the 12th nobody would have said anything ! Not even fellow officials.

 

End of the day Corrales was smart and played within the rules to stay in the fight and we got one of the coldest corner lines of all time from Goosen and an amazing conclusion to a great fight.

 

Castillo was straight up robbed imo.