Guillermo Rigondeaux’s 1st round stoppage victory over Moises Flores has been reversed to a no-contest, after the knockout blow was ruled to come after the bell, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.
“I have a statement from Vic Drakulich memorializing the events that night, that it was initially communicated to us from HBO from the truck that the punch was thrown before the bell,” said Nevada Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett. “I had specifically asked twice and was told yes, the punch was before the bell. I could have been mistaken, but I don’t think I was. So, based on that, the referee called it a knockout. Subsequent to our communications with the HBO trailer, it was brought to my attention the punch came after the bell. Now we have something that is completely different than what we were told. Once we did the replay and we heard the sound, we knew it was a mistake.”
“I listened to it several times. I had a conversation with Vic on the phone and we went over the fight and it was quite clear to both of us that that the punch was thrown after the bell,” Bennett said.
“Vic drafted a statement that has been provided to chairman Marnell and the other commissioners and they will also be provided with a copy of the fight, and next Monday morning we will have a commission meeting, where the result will be changed in accordance with Nevada code,” Bennett said.
“The evidence to me is quite clear,” Bennett said.
“It was unintentional, but we’ve seen the punch and it landed after the bell,” said Michael Yormark of Rigondeaux promoter Roc Nation Sports. “Both fighters were in a clinch and then were throwing punches at the same time. Rigo’s landed first and flattened him. We understand the commission’s position and respect the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and we’ll accept their decision. We respect Bob Bennett, and we don’t necessarily disagree with what the commission decision will be, and we’ll move on.”
Said Flores promoter Tom Brown of TGB Promotions: “Clearly, the punch landed after the bell, and I have complete faith in the Nevada Athletic Commission to overturn the decision. We’ll send an official protest to the athletic commission and wait for them to make their decision, and I’m sure it will be declared a no-decision. They still have to go through their hoops and then see what the WBA does.”
