“Ultra-Quick Stoppage by Tony Weeks”: Pros Reacts to ‘Worst’ Referee Decision in Vergil Ortiz Jr Vs Fredrick Lawson Fight

Published 01/07/2024, 1:43 AM EST

In the fleeting world of boxing, mere seconds can tip the scales of a fighter’s destiny. Picture this: a veteran referee, a single decision, and a sea of uproar. Tony Weeks, a name now synonymous with controversy, finds himself in the eye of the storm yet again. Remember the Rolly Romero vs Ismael Barroso bout? A similar script unfolds. In the Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs Lawson fight, Weeks’ decision-making raises eyebrows and questions.

What lurks behind a referee’s split-second choice? But what really happened in those fleeting moments? And why is the boxing community buzzing yet again?

How Vergil Ortiz Jr. made the ref stop the fight

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In a dramatic display of skill and power, Vergil Ortiz Jr. stepped into the ring, ending his 17-month layoff with a burst of energy. The bout against Fredrick Lawson, held at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, was brimming with anticipation. Within moments, Ortiz showcased his prowess, stunning Lawson with a sharp jab. Suddenly, with under 40 seconds left in the opening round, the fight took an unexpected turn. Ortiz, seizing the moment, unleashed a series of body shots as Lawson backed into the ropes. Then, referee Tony Weeks made a decisive move at 2:30, stepping in to halt the action, citing concern for Lawson’s condition.

Vergil Ortiz starts to get going and Tony Weeks stops the fight. Lots of folks in the crowd not happy. Lawson not happy. #Boxing #MMA #OrtizLawson #GoldenBoy #GoldenBoyPromotions pic.twitter.com/dSM032wv86
— Abe (@AbeMorales209) January 7, 2024

This abrupt stoppage immediately stirred controversy, with many feeling the decision was premature. Ortiz himself, while victorious, expressed a mix of satisfaction and disappointment. “I wish I coulda kept going,” Ortiz stated to DAZN’s Beto Duran post-fight, highlighting his desire for more ring time. “I was hurting him with the jab… I’m ready for anyone out there,” he affirmed, ready to continue his journey in the sport.

The boxing world wasn’t a fan of this decision and voiced their opinions on Twitter.

The outrage it caused!

Dan Rafael, a seasoned boxing journalist, didn’t mince words, expressing his belief that this was possibly the worst stoppage he had witnessed in his extensive career of watching and covering boxing.

I'm not being emotional or getting caught up in the moment but I think that is literally the worst stoppage I have ever seen in about 45 years of watching #boxing, including covering it for the last 24. #OrtizLawson
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) January 7, 2024

Adding to the chorus, Mike Coppinger highlighted Weeks’ history of controversial decisions, specifically recalling a similar scenario in the Rolly Romero versus Ismael Barroso fight.

Tony Weeks was also the ref in the premature stoppage last year between Rolly Romero and Ismael Barroso. Hard to defend either stoppage.
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) January 7, 2024

Coppinger also remarked on the peculiar quickness of the stoppage in the Ortiz-Lawson fight, emphasizing the unsatisfactory nature of the ending for both the audience and Ortiz, who had been eager for a more substantial bout after his hiatus.

Ultra-quick stoppage by Tony Weeks – what was that? Vergil Ortiz buckled Fredrick Lawson with a jab and then flurried on the ropes as ref jumped in. Lots of booing in Vegas and not what Ortiz needed, either, as he could have used some more rounds in his first fight in 17 months.
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) January 7, 2024

Boxing Kingdom went a step further, boldly labeling Weeks’ action as the “worst stoppage of all time”.

Tony Weeks has achieved the worst stoppage of all time. Beating out second place, which is his stoppage of Barosso vs Romero. https://t.co/VPFO0LssQJ
— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) January 7, 2024

Dan Rafael, continuing his critique, suggested an unprecedented solution: restarting the fight with a different referee, illustrating the depth of his discontent with the decision made in the ring.

They should literally restart the fight and get another ref in there. HORRIBLE! #boxing #OrtizLawson
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) January 7, 2024

Finally, former world champion Jamel Herring offered a slightly divergent view. While he acknowledged the prematurity of the stoppage, he hinted at an inevitable outcome, suggesting that Ortiz’s victory was just a matter of time.

You can argue that the stoppage was premature, but the writing was on the wall…
Tony had somewhere to be.#OrtizLawson
— Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) January 7, 2024

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Tony Weeks has been in the headlines for his controversial decision for two times now. This serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance referees must maintain between ensuring fighter safety and allowing a fair contest.

Who Will Vergil Ortiz Jr. Face Next? Opponent, Potential Date, and More

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How should referees navigate the fine line between prudence and premature intervention in the heat of the moment? Your thoughts and perspectives on this matter are invaluable.

Watch this story: Event Recap: Best Fights From Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Egidijus Kavaliauskas

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Written by:

"Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There's nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every time you step in the ring," said Sugar Ray Leonard. Growing up engrossed in sports, it was the compelling narrative of the Mike Tyson documentary that first pulled me into the magnetic world of boxing.

Edited by:

Arijit Saha

“Ultra-Quick Stoppage by Tony Weeks”: Pros Reacts to ‘Worst’ Referee Decision in Vergil Ortiz Jr Vs Fredrick Lawson Fight

How Vergil Ortiz Jr. made the ref stop the fight

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The outrage it caused!