Was Jones - Tarver I a controversial decision?

It was a fair decision. One of the most overrated "controversies" ever.

Tarver spent too many rounds in the middle of the ring, looking at Jones, cautious because of Jones's bodywork and doing nothing.

 

This falls into the "close fight but clear decision" category. Some say they feel Tarver won or had a draw, but the ones who scored the fight that way without blind hatred for Roy or were influenced by the shock of seeing Roy look vulnerable are in the small minority.

 

:good Exactly.... I remember Tarver complaining after the fight about how big his lips were and they werent even busted. Well thats because the major part of Roy's attack that fight was to the body. Tarver's lips may have been in tact but I know his body was killing him.

 

Thats the only reason...:good

 

Also the effectiveness of the body assault was evident by Tarver covering up and wincing every time Roy even looked like he might throw a punch to the body.