main reason his ko record wasn't great was because he was always a boxer moreso
than a bruiser, and he was a little too defensive at times...and after he put
michael watson into a coma (with one punch), he pretty much lost his killer
instinct and ended up going the distance nearly all the time.

Why not write something intelligent instead?

Are you capable?  

If you have an issue with someone go ahead and blast away, but don't
hide behind someone else's name.

Our identities here, whether they are our real names or made up names
are linked to who we are and it's an invasion for someone else to use
that identity. We're not talking about joke posts from celebrities
that would never really post here, but assuming the identity of
someone who does.

If you are currently doing this, please feel free, when you are
finished flaming my ass for this post, to get a life.

On Thu, 1 Apr 1999 02:27:39 -0500 (EST), ryankidsmo...@webtv.net (Ryan

By David Field, PA Sport Boxing Correspondent

The last time Larry O'Connell refereed a British heavyweight title fight, he
won an award.

Ironically, it was Lennox Lewis's clash with Gary Mason at the Wembley Arena
eight years ago. A Sunday newspaper picked him to win the Carlsberg Sports
Performance of the Week for his handling of the two-title clash in which
Lewis' European crown was also at stake.

And the Kent official who came under heavy fire for judging Lewis'
superfight against Evander Holyfield dead level, will be back in work as the
referee in Saturday's British heavyweight title bout between Julius Francis
and Danny Williams at the Royal Albert Hall. Of course, he expects to get
booed.

Even amid furore of the Madison Square Garden draw, the 61-year-old
O'Connell never for a moment considered quitting the sport. He felt, though,
duty-bound to ask his wife Beryl if he should think about his future in
boxing after judging and refereeing 49 world bouts, purely because of the
pressure placed on her by all the controversy.

"My wife said no, not under any circumstances. I just felt things were
unfair to her," admitted O'Connell, a master engraver by profession who runs
a successful business in London's West End.

"I can stand pressure, I went out and met everyone head on from the word go.
If I couldn't stand pressure I wouldn't be a good referee or judge; I
wouldn't be there.

"You'd be surprised at the support I've had. It's been incredible. I've had
letters and phone calls all over the world, places like Australia, Hawaii.
I've had support from the World Boxing Council, and the British Board.

"It was one of those fights that needed a winner, and my heart sunk when I
got a draw, but what could I do? It was done, end of story.

"But why should I have to worry? I've refereed people like George Foreman,
Pernell Whitaker, Mike McCallum. If I get booed, okay. I can understand it,
without feeling responsible.

"People spent a lot of money going to New York, and they expected to see
Lennox win. I've got no choice now, but to get on with the job, what else
can I do? I'm just looking forward to getting back to business on Saturday."

The Board of Control originally appointed O'Connell to referee the Ensley
Bingham-Nicky Thurbin British light-middleweight title fight, but switched
him to the heavyweight bout - and Francis is managed by Frank Maloney, who
was so critical of O'Connell's 115-115 verdict. This way their paths will
cross soon after the Lewis-Holyfield fight, and a quick chance for any
differences to be settled.

The move seems to have worked already. Lewis' manager Maloney said: "A lot
of things are said in the heat of the moment, and anyone can make a mistake.
He's got a job to do, I've got a job to do.

"He's never made a bad decision in any of my fights in Britain, and I've
never questioned his integrity. I think he's gone through a lot.

"I feel it's very unfair that fans should telephone his home saying nasty
things to him and his wife. When we meet again I'm sure we'll shake hands.
He's an ordinary guy who loves the sport of boxing."

O'Connell has been involved in the fight game for 50 years. He boxed for
England, and fought the Scottish amateur legend Dick McTaggart - the 1956
Melbourne Olympics gold medallist - three times, winning once.

After a distinguished amateur career, he was granted a Board of Control
referee's licence, and was elevated to Star Class status six years later.
Outside of boxing, O'Connell is a Freeman of the City of London and a fellow
of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths.

His skills as an engraver have won him orders from the Royal Family, and was
involved on a piece to commemorate the wedding of the Prince and Princess of
Wales, and has done work for the Sultan of Brunei and members of royalty in
the Middle East.

On Saturday, Larry will just be happy back serving the sport he loves.