I was watching Trinidad-Stephens, and don't ever remember hearing anything like this previously. But apparently there was a brief stint with some rule (apparently some experimental IBF rule) where, if the fight was awarded a draw after 12, the two fighters would resume battle for one last round. Does anyone remember any of this in any detail, and what other bouts may have fallen under this rule?
Doug DeWitt v Tony Thornton Sanderline Williams v Ron Essett Big network TV fights. Some great talent and depth back then.
I'd bring back 15 rounds in a heartbeat. These boys today struggle to get through a 12 round staring contest.
My memory ain't what it used to be. I've thought for years that DeWitt fought the extra round with Don Lee. They fought a 10 round draw. And I watched that fight and the Thornton fight.
Not a good thing. By the time the scorecards are read the fighters have cooled down both physically and mentally. Everyone wandering around in the ring; might be half an hour to get the fight going again. How about just fighting 11 rounds?
They were state rules, if I recall. The only time I saw it happen live was the Essett-Williams fight. Adding a 13th round seemed to throw off both fighters. After the final bell, everyone hugs, there is a big sigh of relief. People relax. Then the scores are read, and it's a draw, and everyone has to get pushed out of the ring and they have to get ready for another round. It sounded like a good idea. But, when put into practice, it didn't seem to work.
To answer the question atop the thread, the 13th round rule lasted 3 minutes. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)
