Boxing: Cash, VAR and the ‘best seat in the house’ – inside the life of a boxing referee

One of the many things that is directed at referees in this sport is criticism. Especially when they stop the match early, don’t punish them for making mistakes or let fights drag on for too long.

Judges are vulnerable to more abuse since the way they score the contest is subjective.

It is worth noting that some criticism is deserved and that there is an obligation on the media and stakeholders in the sport to ask questions and inquiries to ensure standards are met, but sometimes it goes further, especially online.

However, referees have to make their decisions in high-pressure conditions, often taking into account the health of the fighters.

“There are situations where you get criticized and some things are considered, if you like, controversial,” Edwards said.

“I have understood [made] I’m aware of the criticism, but I always take the perspective that comes with the territory.

“And if you don’t want to be in that situation, you shouldn’t be doing it.

“Obviously there may be situations where you do something and think, ‘I’ll learn from that,’ because we’re all learning all the time and you can never say you’ve stopped learning.”

But social media means negative tests have become very public.

“I personally don’t look at social media or anything like that,” Edwards said.

“Some do. I just take the view that I’m there to do a job. I do it the best I can and I keep doing it.”

Of course, the dangers of boxing are well known. Unfortunately death can occur.

Boxers know their fighters better than others, but they are so invested in their success that they may sometimes miss the time to draft a fighter.

No one is closer to judgment.

“You always have to be aware if there’s a change in one boxer, he’s starting to get tired, he’s starting to get outclassed,” Edwards said.

“You develop this skill, it’s almost like a sixth sense to see what changes can happen. The corners know exactly what the boxer can do and they see the signs, because the corner knows the boxer well of course.

“But you [the referee] You have, if you will, the best seat in the house in terms of seeing what’s going on.

“I would also like to see more people realize that sometimes if a game is stopped, they just have to realize that there is a risk and that the referee is best placed to make that decision on when to stop the contest.

“Sometimes, if I hear it’s too early to talk about it and so on, I often think if it hadn’t been stopped, what would have happened?”