In New York, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jim Jacobs, the co-manager of “Iron” Mike Tyson. He shared with me his insights on some of the greatest fight films of the century. One such instance was when Willie Pastrano defeated champion Harold Johnson in June 1968 in Las Vegas. Pastrano, with a record of 57-11-8, was awarded a split decision over Johnson, who had a record of 69-8. I had the chance to meet Johnson at a boxing event and asked him how a seemingly less accomplished fighter like Pastrano could beat him. His response was simple - “he was a good boxer.”

Worst Decisions in Boxing

In Philadelphia in November 1976, I witnessed a shocking decision. The WBC Super Feather champion Alfredo Escalera, with a record of 36-7-2, won a split decision over Philly’s Tyrone Everett, who was undefeated with a record of 34-0. I scored it 13-2 in rounds for Everett, but the Mexican judge had Everett up, while the Puerto Rico and Philadelphia judge Lou Tress had it for Everett. This 46-year veteran judge never worked another show after that, perhaps he had received a significant payout.Another instance was in April 1987 when former champ “Sugar” Ray Leonard, with a record of 33-1, won a split decision over middle champ “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, who had a record of 62-2-2. Hagler never fought again and moved to Italy. I was one of the few who felt Leonard had truly won.In June 2002 in San Francisco, CA, WBC super featherweight champ Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather, Jr., with a record of 27-0, got a gift decision over Jose ‘El Terrible’ Luis Castillo, who had a record of 45-4-1. This decision was so controversial that it led to an immediate rematch.In May 1983 in Las Vegas, heavyweight champ Larry ‘The Easton Assassin’ 42-0, won a majority decision over future champ ‘Terrible’ Tim Witherspoon, who had a record of 15-0. At a press conference, I couldn't hold back my thoughts and yelled, “You don't really think you beat ‘Terrible’ Tim Witherspoon, do you?” He wasn't pleased with me.When champ Muhammad Ali, with a record of 50-2, defeated Philly’s Jimmy Young, 17-4-2, in April 1976 in Landover, MD, it was a controversial decision. Some might even call it a bad one.In December 1947, champ Joe ‘The Brown Bomber’ Louis, with a record of 56-1, won a majority decision over ‘Jersey’ Joe Walcott, who had a record of 42-13-1. This fight deserved an immediate rematch as Louis hit the canvas twice.In November 2016 in Las Vegas, super middle champion Andre ‘S.O.G.’ Ward, with a record of 30-0, defeated light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev, 30-0-1. This led to an immediate rematch with Ward emerging as the winner and then retiring.Another instance was in June 2012 in Las Vegas when WBO Welter champion Tim Bradley, Jr., with a record of 28-0, defeated former champ Manny ‘Pac Man’ Pacquiao, 54-3-2.I could go on and on, sharing more of these controversial and memorable boxing moments. What are some of your favorites?