Did the referee stop Mercer vs Morrison too late?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Speedbagskunk.com, Jun 2, 2026.


  1. Speedbagskunk.com

    Speedbagskunk.com LiveFusion Full Member

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    I know this topic has been argued for years, but I still see people saying the referee should have stopped the Mercer vs Morrison fight sooner.

    I disagree.

    In a heavyweight fight, especially one with championship-level stakes, refs are expected to give fighters every reasonable chance unless they are clearly unable to defend themselves.

    Was it hard to watch? Absolutely.

    But I don't think the referee was as wrong as people make him out to be.

    Curious what everyone here thinks.

    Also, Ray Mercer is doing a live event where he's going to talk about the Tommy Morrison fight, Bob Arum, and the fight business from his side of the story.

    You might agree with him.
    You might hate what he says.

    Either way, you're hearing it from Ray himself.

    If you miss it, you miss something great. Don't cry later when you miss it.

    https://livefusion.live/live-shows
     
    Speedbagskunk.com, Jun 2, 2026
    Speedbagskunk.com, Jun 2, 2026
    #1
  2. ikrasevic

    ikrasevic War for Souls Full Member

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    That's why.
    Morrison clearly unable to defend themselves, at least one punch before the actual stoppage of the fight.
     
    ikrasevic, Jun 2, 2026
    ikrasevic, Jun 2, 2026
    #2
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  3. young griffo

    young griffo Boxing Addict Full Member

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    It was late. Tommy was clearly out and Ray was allowed to land several needless shots. Mercer was just doing his job though, it’s on the ref this one. Lucky that Tommy was able to recover (in a fashion) .
     
    young griffo, Jun 2, 2026
    young griffo, Jun 2, 2026
    #3
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  4. MarkusFlorez99

    MarkusFlorez99 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Yes, how is this debatable ? In reality Morrison was out cold. As soon as Morrison was laying on the ropes not defending himself the fight was over and it could have been stopped the moment Morrison laid motionless
     
    MarkusFlorez99, Jun 2, 2026
    MarkusFlorez99, Jun 2, 2026
    #4
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  5. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Boxing is dangerous. Things happen fast. Things happen in places inconvenient for the ref. Split second decisions. Nothing is foolproof. Tommy got the reality check that there are levels in this sport.
     
    Last edited: Jun 3, 2026
    Seamus, Jun 2, 2026
    Seamus, Jun 2, 2026
    #5
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  6. Cormac Mac Art

    Cormac Mac Art New Member banned Full Member

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    fk Tony Perez. One of the worst referees ever. And fk Mercer too.
     
    Cormac Mac Art, Jun 2, 2026
    Cormac Mac Art, Jun 2, 2026
    #6
    ETM likes this.
  7. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    Tony Perez ladies and gentlemen.
     
    ETM, Jun 3, 2026
    ETM, Jun 3, 2026
    #7
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  8. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Yes he definitely stopped it too late.
     
    Fergy, Jun 3, 2026
    Fergy, Jun 3, 2026
    #8
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  9. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Yep, in a fashion is right.
    He did go on to beat Foreman and Ruddock but I don't think he was quite the same after that awful ending.
     
    Fergy, Jun 3, 2026
    Fergy, Jun 3, 2026
    #9
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  10. Thread Stealer

    Thread Stealer Loyal Member Full Member

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    The OP posted a really dumb comment simply to get attention and plug a podcast.
     
    Thread Stealer, Jun 3, 2026
    Thread Stealer, Jun 3, 2026
    #10
    Greg Price99 and JAB5239 like this.