Instant replay OK’d for boxing, MMA

The Nevada Athletic Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to institute instant replay on a limited basis for boxing and mixed martial arts events.

Instant replay would be used, solely at the discretion of the referee, to confirm a call. In instances in which a cut or a head-butt stops a bout, replay could be used to determine if the incident was accidental or an intentional foul.

The regulation must be approved by the Legislative Council Bureau and filed by the state's librarian. If it is approved in the next 30 days, replay could be used in Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s comeback fight Sept. 19 against Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

"We'll see how it works," NAC executive director Keith Kizer said. "It's an additional tool for the referee, and that's a good thing."

The news elicited positive response from referees, boxers and executives alike.

"It's an excellent tool to use if you're in doubt,'' veteran referee Joe Cortez said. ''It's better to get the call right. You want to be fair to the fighters and to the fans. It'll only make boxing better."

Former world heavyweight champion Oliver McCall, who will fight Friday at The Orleans, said boxing shouldn't have waited so long.

"I'm an advocate of instant replay in any sport," McCall said. "I believe in playing by the rules, and when you don't, you compromise the integrity of the sport. With replay, you protect the integrity of boxing."

Rocky Juarez, who will fight Chris John for the WBA featherweight title on the Mayweather-Marquez undercard, said: "It's a good thing. A lot of times, fights are stopped with a head-butt and you don't know if it was accidental or intentional. The replay will clear up any questions."

Commissioner John Bailey said it makes sense to help support Nevada's referees.

"I think the public would embrace the fact that we want to get the call right," he said.

Former NAC executive director Marc Ratner, who is the vice president of regulatory affairs for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, said instant replay has been a long time coming.

"We looked at this seven, eight years ago," said Ratner, who also serves as a football replay official for the Mountain West Conference. "It's something that's needed but in a limited way. If you want to repair a wrong, you now have the ability to do that."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.