The champion should have gotten the benefit of doubt

The notion that the champ should get the benefit of the doubt is a flawed and unworkable one that stems from a misunderstanding of the phrase "you have to take the belt from the champion"-which really just refers to the fact that a champion will keep his belt in the event of a draw.

 

The statement "coulda gone either way" kind of contradicts the statement "a loss is a loss".

Basically, you're saying : a loss is a loss ..... but it could be a win.

 

Yes, but perhaps more close fights should be declared draws.
Certainly when a title is at stake.

Judges are not perfect, and make errors. Even good judges. Therefore the verdict should be a draw unless the margin of victory is clear and somewhat substantial.

I mean, seriously, when almost everyone is saying "I don't know, it was close, this fight could go either way." the fairest result would be a draw.
I've been saying this for years.
I suspect boxing now thrives on the controversy, the debates and the suspense surrounding decisions though.

 

1 point either way is fine with me.

 

Remember Foreman - Schulz? After the robbery, US Media said Schulz wasn't authoritative enough, he didn't do enough to "take the title away from George". This taking away notion is largely built on partisan-ship. We use it selectively for whoever you want to win.

 

The blue print isn't set for anything ,the only reason why many THINK it was close (it wasn't ) is Kovalev coasted and didnt go after him. No one who was wobbled by jabs is going to have much anything with a bigger ,stronger guy who out boxed you this time let alone next time if he tries to k.o you which Kovalev didnt THIS time.

 

But that's just it kovalev doesn't fight like ggg he's not a seek in destroy fighter nor is he a pressure fighter. Thats the biggest mistake people are making here. He's a thinking mans fighter a boxer who just so happens to hit hard. It's kinda like everyone who was mad at canelo for trying to box with pbf and simply not bullying pbf with his size turn into a pressure fighter and throwing 80 punches a round canelo can't fight like that's not who he is canelo is a counter puncher at heart and a boxer with good defensive responsibility. Kovalev isn't a pressure fighter he's a elite boxer puncher.

 

I can see a case for a draw or either man wining it was that close.

 

After coming across many of your other comments, I respect this post. Valid opinion for sure.

 

I truly enjoyed the fight. A few rounds were too close to call so 114-113----fill in the blank or a draw is fine with me.
Epic FKN fight

 

He didn't "almost" get knocked out. He got hit super clean, went down and got back up and recovered.

 

"Makes perfect sense that Kovalev started coasting...."

Never a good idea when you're going to the cards. Sorry, completely disagree with this when a boxer does it. (See Oscar vs Trinidad, great example) You should always have a sense of urgency to win rounds.

My question is: was it the body work? Or did Sergei think he had it in the bag? Combination of both?

They need to rematch either way.

 

Well i guess the ref also wasnt in the game because he said the judges screwed up. lol

 

Kovalev was no champion. Stevenson is the champion @ 175lbs...