Walk here by the refs

[Old bones Ian]

When did refs start using the"Walk here" or "Walk to the left" BS after the 8 count?
Ref just count to 8 and get on with the fight, it's like a long count now with all the instructions, and it's just buying seconds for you the ref to not make a decision.
Anyway that's my toys out the pram.

[joshj909]

It's the 'referee gait test' in the ABC manual for referees. It's to recognise concussion and prioritise boxer safety in case they appear more conscious than they actually are. Not sure when it got introduced though.

[gregregegg]

I do think there needs to be some standardisation though. Like it’s a bit unfair that people get extra time.

I guess the answer is 10-15 every time you make someone do it, even on a flash knockdown. Kinda makes it a 15 count but eh. You can’t have so much room for variation.

[gilgamesh]

I've also seen moments where a guy clearly took a shaky first step when asked to, and was allowed to continue anyway. That's pretty much what happened recently with Andy Ruiz and Damian Knyba, at the end of that 7th round Ruiz was about as out on his feet as it gets for a few moments there.

[Ruthless-RKO]

There’s also plenty of times where the refs asked boxers to walk towards them and then stopped it because they have stumbled.

Obv, a-side boxers get special treatment.

They could be crawling towards the ref and they’ll continue the fight.

[Controversial]

I reckon maybe last 20-30 years this became a thing for some refs to do. Hard to make standard practice as all fighters react or look different when hurt and each ref will have a different view on what they see in front of them at that time.

[overhand_right]

Seems to be a device employed to give strategic long counts to A Sides in peril. That's the pattern I've noticed.

Would be interesting to trace its evolution. You don't see it in 90s boxing.

[TheLeprechaun]

Seems to be a device employed to give strategic long counts to A Sides in peril. That's the pattern I've noticed.

Would be interesting to trace its evolution. You don't see it in 90s boxing.

Exactly and it's used the opposite way too, not giving the B side any time. Look at Meldrick Taylor vs Chavez.