Nevada referee Russell Mora addressed his own officiating of the WBC/WBO Bantamweight title fight between challenger Nonito Donaire and defending champion Fernando Montiel. Montiel suffered a brutal knockdown in round two, such that most observers felt he should not have been allowed to continue, despite the fact that he beat the count, barely. Mora gave his own critique, citing two key mis-steps in his mechanics. Upon the knockdown, Moras momentum had him hopping over the fallen Montiel and directing Donaire to a neutral corner. In doing so, Mora missed Montiels legs and arms flailing uncontrollably in all directions- a sight had he seen, Mora admitted he wouldve stopped the fight right then and there. Secondly, upon asking Montiel to come forward with his hands up, Montiel was grunting, with his hands down by his side, not following Moras commands. As soon as the action resumed, Donaire threw a brief flurry of mostly missed or glancing blows, prompting Mora to stop the bout. While no serious follow up damage occurred, Mora admits it was only by luck, Had one more serious punch landed, Montiel could have been killed, stated Mora. It was a learning experience, and I can take cues from my colleagues like Kenny Bayliss and others. Mora received accolades from his fellow officials for his honesty and integrity in facing the fire. http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/wbc-convention-day-2-2-104245
I hate Mora. What a *******. It was clear Montiel was done, But you had to put him at huge risk by letting him go on. And of course Mares-Agbeko 1. That disgrace of a ref needs to just goddamn retire!
