I don't normally comment on fights that I Referee. Ben was a gentleman, and he took the decision well. He showed respect for the decision whilst in the ring, and came to find me to shake my hand afterwards.

As I was the Referee, and not a Judge, I can only tell you what I think as a non-scoring spectactor. Ben was winning the first two rounds in my opinion, but I can only inform you of my opinion (which is not official because I cannot score). I didn't check the sheets to see what the Judges had scored, but they were spot on all night, and I would suggest they shared my opinion. Who knows though what would have happened if the fight had continued.

This was billed as a five round fight. The injury happened in the third round. Ben was in a lot of pain, and I was more interested that he was able to fight another day. Two and a half further rounds of Oriental is not what I would prescribe for anyone with a knee injury. Ben was down for over a minute, and he was screaming in pain about a knee injury. I have Refereed two fights previously where knee-caps have shifted to the back of the knee joint, so I was well aware of what could have happenned to Ben. Nobody wants a Referee to stall in getting Medical help when a Fighter's health is concerned.

Even if this was a three round fight, I would not have allowed him to continue. A knee injury can be an injury for life! The Doctor and Paramedic entered the ring and I took Ben's mouthguard out whilst he was on the floor.

In the sober light of the aftermath, everyone would have done the same, and stopped the fight from continuing. Ben was not in a condition to continue, purely based on a total freak hyper-extention accident, and not based upon his determination to win which was undisputed.

Ben, you were great! I realise how disapointed you, and your team were with the incident. I wish you well on your next fight, and I am sure that you will find the winning streak soon.