Has this ref been involved in any other controversial early stoppages or does he have a good reputation? This was a world title fight that was going into the championship rounds where fighters have to dig deep to show their worth and this ref dives in and takes away the fight from Takam. He seemed very eager to wave the fight off as soon as AJ landed a decent punch.
Perhaps I had drank too much watching it, but I thought Takam was looking for ref intervention after he was cut. I couldn't work out what he was saying to the ref or why. But then he had a little success bit down and got on with it it seemed to me. Premature stoppage either way !
Bellew vs McKenzie in 2010 springs to mind. Bellew was knocked down in rounds 1 & 2. McKenzie down from a great left hook in round 8. Bellew charges in and before he can land another punch Mr Edwards stops the contest. Not sure the score cards at the time of stoppage but must have been close. A very premature stoppage favouring the house fighter imo.