Was the stoppage in Lewis-McCall I premature?

Lewis fell into the ref's chest after he got up. The stoppage was fine based on that.

 

Nope, I think he would've been stopped anyway if they'd carried on.

 

^ what he said.

 

Yes. He should have been given the chance to continue.

 

I've since changed my opinion on this one. I used to think the stoppage was justified, but the more I see it, the more I feel it was a bit premature. This was for the biggest title in boxing, and the defending champ I believe should have gotten the benefit of the doubt.

There is no doubt Lewis was on ***** street, but I've seen plenty of fighters in even worse condition given one more chance.

 

Yes. This point is especially valid: Holyfield against Cooper, Holmes against Snipes (and Shavers) were decked and appeared at least as badly hurt. All were given the benefit of the doubt and turned the fight around: Lewis might not have but in truth we'll never know.

 

The one I remember most vividly for some reason was Milton McCrory vs. Donald Curry, when Curry flattened him with a hook. Mccrory got up, but was glassy eyed and was swaying on his feet like a drunk. He was in a much worse state than Lennox was, and Mills Layne gave him a chance.

It didn't help Milton much, but still...he was given that chance.

 

Yes, but that was back in the days when fighters weren't earning millions of dollars per fight - when the boxing authority could and would set you on ice after a loss for as long as they wanted to.

Nowadays, somebody like Lennox Lewis isn't going to have to wait that long to get another shot at a title - so refs don't feel as willing to let a fighter risk a future payday - or risk becoming the next Richard Greene.

 

Stick a fork in him... he was DONE!

 

I'm always on the side of safety, especially when it was unlikely Lewis would have won. So I'm fine with the stoppage.

 

He was dropped, he did get up on wobbly legs which slightly buckled as he moved forward and fell into the referee. Justifiable stoppage. However, I think the ref should have backed away, allowed Lennox to fall, and continued with the count up to ten. Then there can't be any complaints.

 

Yes it was. It was two things. actually and that was premature and a fluke on top of that.

 

It was very premature. Mccall would have lost that fight and Lewis would easily beat Joe Louis Ezard Charles and rocky Fartciano.