Revisiting Abraham-Miranda I (Showtime Rebroadcast)
Posted: 23 Jul 2008, 05:35
I was very pleased that Showtime chose to rebroadcast Abraham-Miranda I. For those who haven't seen it, it is not the original German Broadcast, but with Al Bernstein and Steve Albert calling the action. I only wish that Showtime would have covered this fight live. I wonder why they did not at the time.
We all know about the chaotic 5th round and Randy Newman's absurd 5 point deductions. On the original broadcast viewing, I think I had either Miranda winning or a draw. However, what bothered me most was a good point that Al and Steve made. It was as if Abraham's corner was more concerned about their fighter staying in there trying to win, regardless of his health, rather than preserving the safety of Abrham, who fought amazing with a broken bloody jaw and mouth, and his face all smashed. The doctor was allowed to work on King Arther during the 5 minute rest period because of the intentional low blow. This is illegal. Newman even said that Abraham's jaw was broken several times, but it was like the corner didn't care. The doctor, at least from my recollection, did not even tend to Abraham after the 9th round.
Were the trainer and corner ever reprimanded for their lack of concern for Abraham's safety? I wonder if Newman was afraid to stop the fight on a TKO for Miranda when Abraham first said that he could not fight in that confusing 5th round for fear of a crowd control problem? The ref should not be concerned about the crowd. In fact, both he and the corner should be concerned about the fighters at all times. Randy Newman might have been, but Abrham's corner clearly was not.
Controversy aside, this was a great war and test of wills. Even if the official scoring was a bit too lopsided. Food for thought is how this fight, and especially that 5th round, would have played out in the United States or even in Great Britain. British refs have been known for quicker stoppages when compared to other parts of the world. There is also greater concern for fighter safety especially in USA and British rings. At least there is more of a balance of fair officiating. The German promoters seem to have a great deal of monopolistic control over their fighters, maybe more than they should have.
Jack
We all know about the chaotic 5th round and Randy Newman's absurd 5 point deductions. On the original broadcast viewing, I think I had either Miranda winning or a draw. However, what bothered me most was a good point that Al and Steve made. It was as if Abraham's corner was more concerned about their fighter staying in there trying to win, regardless of his health, rather than preserving the safety of Abrham, who fought amazing with a broken bloody jaw and mouth, and his face all smashed. The doctor was allowed to work on King Arther during the 5 minute rest period because of the intentional low blow. This is illegal. Newman even said that Abraham's jaw was broken several times, but it was like the corner didn't care. The doctor, at least from my recollection, did not even tend to Abraham after the 9th round.
Were the trainer and corner ever reprimanded for their lack of concern for Abraham's safety? I wonder if Newman was afraid to stop the fight on a TKO for Miranda when Abraham first said that he could not fight in that confusing 5th round for fear of a crowd control problem? The ref should not be concerned about the crowd. In fact, both he and the corner should be concerned about the fighters at all times. Randy Newman might have been, but Abrham's corner clearly was not.
Controversy aside, this was a great war and test of wills. Even if the official scoring was a bit too lopsided. Food for thought is how this fight, and especially that 5th round, would have played out in the United States or even in Great Britain. British refs have been known for quicker stoppages when compared to other parts of the world. There is also greater concern for fighter safety especially in USA and British rings. At least there is more of a balance of fair officiating. The German promoters seem to have a great deal of monopolistic control over their fighters, maybe more than they should have.
Jack