Was the stoppage in Lewis-McCall I premature?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Marciano Frazier, May 4, 2008.


  1. Bill1234

    Bill1234 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    There is an argument for both sides. I'm not sure what I would have done. It's not like the ref was able to stop and watch the clip 20 times over to make a choice. From Lewis's first reaction getting up, I probably would have let it go, but would have stopped it if he wasn't blocking or showing anysigns of offence.
     
  2. Marciano Frazier

    Marciano Frazier Well-Known Member Full Member

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    To repeat my own opinion, it appears to me that Lewis is almost completely incapacitated when he's on the canvas and looks like he is doing literally everything in his power just to get to his feet and walk towards the ref. He's completely shaky, he can't take two even steps in a row, he lurches into the ref's chest as he comes in for inspection- I absolutely disagree that Holyfield against Cooper or Holmes against Shavers were in as bad or worse shape than that. Watch the two clips in succession; a seasoned boxing fan should be able to see the difference. If the referee allows the Lewis-McCall I fight to continue, I bet you my life's savings that Lewis doesn't last another 15 seconds and is only knocked out a more brutal and resounding fashion.

    Anyway, I founded this thread because of a statement by ChrisPontius that "practically everyone thinks the stoppage was premature" in this fight. I disagreed and started this poll as a result, and although there is clearly a large portion of the boxing public (perhaps the majoirty) which disagrees with me here (I believe because they have not examined the film recently and/or critically enough), I do think this poll establishes that it is far from "practically everyone" who thinks that this stoppage was premature.
     
  3. ChrisPontius

    ChrisPontius March 8th, 1971 Full Member

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    I stand corrected. Still, a majority of 21 against 16 votes that it was a premature stoppage.
     
  4. amhlilhaus

    amhlilhaus Well-Known Member Full Member

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    the referee almost pulled lennox off his feet when he checked his fitness to continue, it's cut and dried.
     
  5. mike464

    mike464 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I'm a Lewis fan but he was in no state to continue. He was almost leaning on the ref when it was waved off.