Joshua vs Klitschko: Referee to oversee heavyweight title fight is a former sparring partner of Marvin Hagler

[Ruthless-RKO]

David Fields, the American referee who will oversee the contest between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday night is a former sparring partner of 'Marvelous' Marvin Hagler.

Fields, from New Jersey, from 1977 onward sparred for several years with the former middleweight world champion Hagler, both before and after the revered southpaw puncher became a world title holder.

The 17-year veteran referee and former light heavyweight boxer who has overseen major world title fights including Bernard Hopkins against Sergey Kovalev, though largely respected, was criticised for the manner in which he oversaw the fight between Terence Crawford and Angel Rios in 2011.

Reports from that contest suggested that Fields "allowed Crawford to hold Rios behind the head and hit him behind the head with rarely a warning," according to Doghouseboxing.com.

Retired Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez, however, believes that Fields is "a very strong" choice for the third man in the ring.

"He's a big guy, a very strong referee and there should be no problems with him at all," Cortez told Telegraph Sport. "He's very experienced, and has always done a great job. He's a great choice."

[Ruthless-RKO]

Judges

Don Trella

Steve Weisfeld

Nelson Vazquez

[Kalan]

I'm not worried about the officials... But having a guy who can separate these 2 in the clinches is critical... Klitschko is lighter than expected at 240 and highly trained -- going for the speed and movement aspect.. Joshua is heavier than expected at 250 and going for the strength and power aspect..

AJ wants to blow Klitschko away and start his reign of reigns quickly with a smashing KO win.. He plans to get hold of that vulnerable chin and get some terrific power shots on it.. Wadimir is counting on a counter shot and Joshua's short amateur career and lack of professional rounds to lead to a mistake -- and give him the opportunity he needs to scale the heights once more.

[IRLangmaid25]

Judges

Don Trella

Steve Weisfeld

Nelson Vazquez

They may not be needed but who knows.