Panel: Was the referee right to throw the towel back out of the ring in the Lewis Ritson fight?

Micky Helliet
Manager & promoter

The referees go through a stringent training process so are experienced. Steve Gray was the man nearest to the action and in a good position to read the fight. Personally I would have accepted the retirement but this is a professional sport, itโ€™s essential that we respect the decision-making of the referees.

Dave Coldwell
Leading trainer

Steve Grayโ€™s one of the best referees weโ€™ve got but he made an error of judgement. When youโ€™re hurt to the body it can leave you open to getting nailed with something massive to the head. A cornerman throwing the towel in is him saying he doesnโ€™t want to see his man take any more punishment. Thatโ€™s enough.

Tony Jeffries
Olympic bronze medallist

Steve was wrong. No one knows a fighter better than his corner and their decision should be respected.

Richard Poxon
Manager and promoter

Iโ€™m not digging or singling Steve out here but Iโ€™ve said for a while that officials are so desperate to keep getting picked for the jobs that it feels itโ€™s become a bit โ€˜got to make sure I get invites back soโ€ฆโ€™ The corner threw the towel in. In my opinion, Steve should have respected that.

Read Lewis Ritson’s reflections on the fight here

Share Page