Classic posters and boxing fans please tell me the difference between a gift decision and a decision that is pure robbery. Was Ken Norton robbed of the judges in the third fight with Ali, or did the greatest simply receive a gift decision? I don't believe Holyfield vs Lewis I was a gift for Holyfield but more of a robbery for Lewis. I believe Hearns was robbed of the rightful decision in his second fight with Sugar Ray Leonard. Leonard receiving a draw is a gift from the judges IMO. I believe Delahoya received a gift from the judges in his fight with Sturm, but was robbed against Trinidad. Some say he was robbed in the second fight with Sugar Shane Mosely.
I think the examples you gave are reasonably fair. I myself don't have a concrete definition, but generally think that the two terms are often used interchangeably. In my opinion, Holmes vs Spinks II was more of a robbery than it was a gift. Ray Mercer's win over Tim Witherspoon in 1996 was probably close enough to where it could be considered a gift to Mercer rather than a flat out robbery. I guess it depends on who you talk to.
Holmes/Williams: Larry was gifted (given the benefit of doubt) the decision, for services to boxing Holmes/SpinksII: Holmes was robbed.
This stuff really winds me up, here's how i have always thought on this subject. I personally strive to give a rouns to one man or the other, no even rounds. I once read a book that put the emphasis on boxing having many aspects, so many in fact that in a round of boxing one man must have done something to edge his opponent, and that if a judge gives a round even it may be through his incompetency. Since then i have taken them words as 'the way' for me. Sweet Scientist though once on this board give me the best rationale explanation i have ever been given on why a round may be scored even, so i do remain open minded on the subject. Anyhow, even when a fight is ultra close, if i have given it the other way than have the official judges ringside, then i disagree with it just as much as a blatant 'robbery'. Simple as that, it's opinion. I hate this robbery/gift terminology.
