Shawn Porter Goes on a Rant to Explain Why Judging in Boxing Is Broken
Boxing has long been plagued by controversial decisions that leave fans and fighters alike questioning the integrity of the sport. Former world champion Shawn Porter, known as ‘Showtime’ during his illustrious career, has joined the chorus of voices calling for change. Despite retiring in November 2021 after a knockout defeat against Terence Crawford, Porter remains deeply connected to the boxing community through his YouTube channel, The Porter Way Podcast, where he recently expressed his frustrations with the current state of boxing judging.
Porter began his impassioned rant by criticizing the current judges, arguing that they lack the necessary experience and insight to accurately score fights.
“You gotta get boxers around the ring,” he insisted, emphasizing that those who have never been in the ring can’t fully understand the nuances of the sport. According to Porter, the root of the problem lies in the fact that “the people that are around the ring aren’t the people who have been in the ring.”
Porter’s solution is simple yet profound: incorporate former boxers into the judging process. He believes that those who have fought professionally possess an intimate knowledge of the sport that would lead to fairer and more accurate decisions.
“They don’t truly know what they are seeing,” Porter said of the current judges. “Whereas if a boxer were to be placed in the judging seats, they would have the understanding of the minute details of what’s actually happening inside the ring.”
The Paul Williams vs. Erislandy Lara Debacle
To illustrate his point, Porter highlighted one of the most notorious judging controversies in recent memory: the 2011 fight between Paul Williams and Erislandy Lara. Held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, the bout saw Lara dominate Williams from start to finish. Lara’s superior skill and control were evident throughout the 12 rounds, leaving little doubt about who deserved the victory.
However, when the scores were announced, the decision was shockingly in favor of Williams. One judge scored the fight 114-114, while the other two judges gave Williams the win with scores of 116-114 and 115-114. The decision was met with widespread outrage and disbelief, leading to the indefinite suspension of the three judges by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board.
Porter used this fight to underscore the urgent need for reform in boxing judging. He argued that the incompetence displayed in such decisions not only damages the credibility of the sport but also undermines the hard work and dedication of the fighters. “I am not gonna get mad and emotional, but the judges around the ring aren’t fighters, so they aren’t trained,” he concluded, his frustration palpable.
“Because the people that are around the ring aren’t the people who have been in the ring”, the former world champion explained. Further elaborating on his point, Porter emphasized, “They don’t truly know what they are seeing”.
A Call for Change
Porter’s call for change is not without merit. Many within the boxing community share his concerns and believe that the sport would benefit greatly from having former fighters serve as judges. Their firsthand experience and deep understanding of the sport could lead to more accurate and fair decisions, restoring trust and integrity to boxing.
However, the implementation of such changes faces significant challenges. The current judging system is deeply entrenched, and there is resistance to change from those who benefit from the status quo. Additionally, finding former fighters who are willing and able to take on the role of judge is not a straightforward task.
Despite these obstacles, Porter remains hopeful that his call for reform will be heard.
“It’s truly high time that judging in boxing is taken care of, and referees with valuable experience and competence are roped in,” he said. But he also acknowledged the uncertainty of whether such changes will ever be realized. “Will that ever happen? Or fans can only expect such revolutions from the Saudis? Only time will tell.”
As the debate over boxing judging continues, one thing is clear: the sport cannot afford to ignore the voices of those who have dedicated their lives to it. Shawn Porter’s passionate plea for reform is a reminder that true change often comes from within, driven by those who understand the sport best.
