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The World Boxing Federation has
always taken great pride in the
fact that we are open,
transparent, fair and
principled. We are also
extremely proud when two
of our
world champions, both rated # 1
in the world, meet for our
title.
Enter the unbeaten German
superstar Christina Hammer, and
the ferocious French star Ann
Sophie Mathis. A 17-0 fighter
versus a 27-3 fighter and one
would expect a Fight of the
Year.
On paper unquestionably, but so
often in the case of boxing,
some fights simply do not work
out as they are supposed to. An
ugly fight of pushing, holding
and wrestling with a hugely
controversial ending.
The referee ruled that Mathis
had hit Hammer a.) behind the
head, b.) with an elbow and c.)
after the “stop” (and left
everyone to take his own pick),
and although Hammer was
virtually down and out, a
disqualification of Mathis was
soon announced to the
disapproving roar of the
agitated and angry spectators.
Upon a written objection from
the Mathis camp who claimed
treachery and robbery, the World
Boxing Federation, after
receiving a comprehensive report
from supervisor and Vice
President Jean Marcel Nartz,
decided to take another look at
the video to ascertain what had
exactly happened.
Did the referee err, or was he
correct to disqualify the French
champion?
Upon reflection and after much
discussion, the World
Boxing
Federation Executive
Committee headed by Chairman
Torben Seemann Hansen, not just
one of the most experienced
boxing administrators in the
world but also himself a reputed
judge with decades at ringside,
ruled unanimously that in fact
the fight should have been
awarded to Mathis by way of
knockout as the punch was
clearly to the ear and not
behind the head.
In order to ensure fairness and
equity the World
Boxing
Federation ruled the fight a
No Contest and recommended a
rematch to establish once and
for all who the true champion
is.
The World
Boxing
Federation does not often interfere
with officials rulings, but when
an appeal has massive grounds
for analysis, the World
Boxing
Federation will
ensure that justice prevails.
Referees do a great job most of
the time, but they are human and
at times they too can make
mistakes.
Christina Hammer and Anne Sophie
Mathis are two warriors and two
champions. Let's hope these two
fine ladies do the right thing
and do it all over again to find
a true winner between these two
stars.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing
Federation
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