Williams-Lara judges suspended

9:37 PM, July 13, 2011 ι By GEORGE WILLIS

The judges who scored last Saturday’s controversial fight between Paul Williams and Erislandy Lara have been placed on indefinite suspension by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board.

According to several reports, judges Al Bennett, Hilton Whitaker and Don Givens were suspended after a review of the majority decision given Williams after a 12-round junior middleweight bout at the ballroom at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Most ringside observers thought the underdog Lara won the fight. He connected on more punches (224 to 200), more jabs (46 to 39) and more power punches (178 to 161). He also did more damage turning Williams’ face into a bloody mess. Yet, Bennett scored the bout a 114-114 draw, while Givens (116-114) and Whitaker (115-114) scored it for Williams. The Post saw the bout 115-113 for Lara.

Though the decision will not be overturned, NJSACB commissioner Aaron M. Davis released a statement saying he was “unsatisfied” with the scoring of the contest. He added the three judges would not work another bout until they undergo further training. “Any contestant who enters a ring or cage in our state deserves the best officiating that we can provide. While we do not mean to diminish Mr. Williams’ competitive spirit and exciting style, we feel that we did not provide our best officiating on July 9.” Davis said in the statement.