Referee - Tony Perez 'I Should Have DQ'd Muhammad Ali'

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Senor Pepe', Nov 7, 2012.


  1. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Referee - Tony Perez,

    January 28, 1974 (Madison Square Garden)

    Joe Frazier vs. Muhmmad Ali II

    'I consider it a bad performance by myself as a Referee. The holding, clinching
    and dirty tactics used by Mr. Ali were obviously intentional fouls.
    I wanted to use my authority as the 'Third Man in the Ring', but I was
    under pressure from the higher ups to let it go.'

    'I did discuss the fouling with the New York State Athletic Commission
    Officials at Ringside several times, but they told me not to do anything
    because Muhammad Ali would cry fouls of racism.'

    'But it was getting ridiculous, and Muhammad was going overboard with
    those very dirty holds behind Joe Frazier's neck. Joe looked at me at least
    15-times, and said 'C'mon Tony do something.'
     
  2. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    My message to Senor Perez -


    And what about your 'selective Tinnitus' in the second round ?
     
  3. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Tony Perez,

    The 44 year-old Referee from New Jersey was regarded as one of the better
    young ring general's - as he was quick, had strength and was always well positioned.

    But, Tony had a stranglehold put on him by New York State Athletic Commissioner
    Edwin B. Dooley, who told him after the 4th Round, 'If you penalize Ali a point, he
    will never come back here to fight again. Just let it go Tony,'

    But Tony complained to the commissioner, that it was getting out of hand, and Joe
    Frazier was really getting pissed about Mr. Ali's constant 'dirty cuffing' behind the neck.

    Edwin B. Dooley responded by telling Tony, 'You can warn him, but under no circumstances
    are you allowed to penalize him a single-point, unless I say so.'

    Referee - Tony Perez - 'My hands were tied. I was put in a stranglehold. I could have
    penalized Muhammad Ali 5-points, or easily Disqualified him if he didn't obey my commands.'


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  4. SolomonDeedes

    SolomonDeedes Active Member Full Member

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    Perhaps you had better give the source of this interview with Tony Perez. Otherwise cynical people might claim that you're making it up.
     
  5. simon850

    simon850 Boxing Addict Full Member

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  6. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Tony Perez later filed a law-suit against Muhammad Ali for 'defamation of character'.
     
  7. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    A decent fight, but the holding and cuffing was out-of-hand-

    Ringside Observer - Don Warner,

    'If I was the Referee, I would have warned Cassius immediately. After the
    second time, I would have told him one more time, and it is a point deduction.
    After that, he would have been on thin ice. I consider his behind the neck cuffing,
    just like hitting below the belt. A foul is a foul.'

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  8. dyna

    dyna Boxing Junkie banned

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    Then don't enter the classic board.
     
  9. Lord Tywin

    Lord Tywin Guest

    Another made up quote, but one I actually agree with. Ali should have had points deducted at the least.
     
  10. doug.ie

    doug.ie 'Classic Boxing Society' Full Member

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    me....these threads are good.
     
  11. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Yes a primary source is required for this ,otherwise:nono
     
  12. Shake

    Shake Boxing Addict Full Member

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    The distinction for me here wether to hold this against Ali is how active he was in pressuring the higher ups.
     
  13. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Does anyone have the exact total of behind the neck 'cuffs' Mr. Ali used on
    Mr. Frazier.

    Fouling is one thing, but to take advantage by using a 'filthy' low-style move,
    knowing full well that the ringside officials (New York State Athletic Commission)
    would allow you to get away with it, because they were bidding for another 'big dollar'
    fight.
     
  14. SolomonDeedes

    SolomonDeedes Active Member Full Member

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    Yes, I know. Because of Ali's remarks about him after the Wepner fight. Not entirely clear how that backs up your claim to have discovered an interview where Perez states that he was ordered by officials to show favoritism to Ali against Frazier.
     
  15. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Thoughts by Tony Perez, on why he wasn't allowed to penalize or DQ
    Muhammad Ali.

    Teddy Brenner and Madison Square Garden,


    A) Wanted Muhammad Ali to defeat Joe Frazier on January 28, 1974

    B) They were hoping (praying) that Ken Norton would defeat George Foreman in
    their March 1974 Heavyweight Championhsip Bout.

    C) Madison Square Garden was planning on having Muhammad Ali fight the 'new'
    Champion Ken Norton in October 1974, and in Madison Square Garden.

    Hence, Muhammad Ali 'must win'.