Pacman bout to implement instant replay

Manila, Philippines - The chief of the Nevada Athletic Commission has found a way to review possible lapses made by referees in boxing matches.

The solution comes in the form of the instant replay, and for the first time in boxing history, it will be implemented in the third fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez in November.

In an email to Joseph Lariosa of the US News Las Vegas, NAC executive director Keith Kaizer confirmed that the commission has approved to use instant replays on the Pacquiao-Marquez fight on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas.

Instant replay is the replaying of video footage of an event or incident in a sport event very soon after it has occurred. It is currently being applied in major sports leagues such as the National Basketball Association, National Football League and National Hockey League.

Now, it is boxing’s turn to make use of the technology.

“Kaizer clarified that instant replay will only be employed if there is a ‘foul or a stoppage’ that immediately ends the fight but not ‘to review knockdown calls,’” Lariosa wrote.

Kaizer cited the Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts bout between Anthony Johnson and Kevin Burns in 2008. In that fight, the referee failed to spot an incident wherein Johnson was poked in the eye.

Burns was named winner via technical knockout.

In essence, Kaizer said the use of instant replay will help determine whether an injury obtained by a fighter was caused by an illegal blow from his opponent. The referee shall then decide whether that blow was intentional or accidental.

If the illegal blow was deemed intentional, the erring fighter loses via disqualification. In case of an accidental blow, the referee shall determine whether the injured fighter is fit to continue.

Pacquiao and Marquez have figured in two close bouts – the first one ending in a controversial draw in 2004 and the other seeing a highly disputed split-decision victory for the Filipino in 2008.