The strange case of Famechon and Harada~

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by WAR01, Sep 25, 2020.



  1. WAR01

    WAR01 In the 7.2% Full Member

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    When I worked the Famechon–Harada fight for the featherweight title in Sydney, Australia [July 28, 1969], they had no rules for judging a fight. The promoters said to do what I thought best.
    I had to make up my own scorecard. So I got a piece of cardboard and ruled off the columns for fifteen rounds. They had no boxing commission. I was the sole judge.

    When the fight began, I decided to use a five/four system, five points for the winner and four for the loser of the round. At the end of the fifteen rounds I added up the points and it came out even. So I called the fight a draw. Well, naturally, some liked the decision and some didn’t.

    I then gave my scorecard to the chief of police who was sitting at ringside. In a way I should have given it to him before the decision but they had told me to give the decision as soon as the bout ended.
    He added up the card and said: “By Jove, Willie, you made a mistake of one point.”
    Sure enough we re-added and we had Famechon ahead by one point. So I went back and raised Famechon’s hand and that caused another turmoil.

    It was tough. I was referee, judge and boxing commission
     
  2. WAR01

    WAR01 In the 7.2% Full Member

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    What are some other cases with judging as odd as this?
     
  3. WAR01

    WAR01 In the 7.2% Full Member

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  4. ChrisJS

    ChrisJS Boxing Addict Full Member

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    They had the British rules of the referee is the sole judge. Even a draw would have been a whacky card. I asked Harada if he ever felt bitter about the decision and he said not at all and that it’s in the past and can’t be changed.
     
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