How the hell does this guy have a job still? I understand his father's place in boxing history but the more I see of this guy the more I see him constantly putting fighters in danger by being an absolute buffoon. Example 1: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uehFuWEkI-Q[/ame] @0:25 Jesus christ was he trying to let Ruddock kill Dokes here? Dokes is clearly unconscious after the 2nd left hook while Mercante stares at him IN PLAIN VIEW and lets Ruddock fully load up another smash. BUT THATS NOT ALL. After Dokes spills lifelessly to the canvas, HE STARTS THE COUNT. A count where it was clear Dokes wouldn't have made it on a count of 100. All the while doctors and trainers are rushing in the ring and Artie STILL COUNTS. atsch Example 2: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfhLQ2QALW8&feature=related[/ame] @8:00 [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r10UhTO9JaI&NR=1[/ame] And yet again, does Mercante WANT these guys to get hurt? Here Hurtado gets blasted out by the 3rd or 4th shot, but Arthur thinks he should probably get up to 11 or 12 before he stops it, again IN PLAIN VIEW. Example 3: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTDAzQAo6Qg[/ame] More recently, how can we forget? Do I even need to say more guys? What the hell is wrong with this guy? :-(
Ego maniac. A fight is all about him, not the boxers. The Cotto/Foreman fight was the worst refereed fight I've ever seen.
He's just another incompetent referee among many. All I can say for him is that atleast he doesn't get overly involved with the fights, even if he does like the spotlight. Call it "hands off" refereeing if you will.
