Post by Office on May 29, 2023 4:53:44 GMT
It's been a couple of weeks since CROSSROADS where Pollo Dorado II retained his cruiserweight crown in controversial fashion. Dorado won by disqualification when Ted "Tubby" Thomas, who was attempting to pull Dorado away from El Cerdo Mostaza in the corner, was inadvertently struck by Mostaza's devastating lariat after Dorado ducked. The champion's keen ring awareness aside, a question has been raised on social media since then...
Who called for the bell?
Reviewing the footage, it seems that matchmaker Mandeville Nelson nor ring announcer Mason Marvelle make any kind of motion in the background of the match, but the timekeeper sounds the bell almost immediately following the lariat to Thomas.
An unnamed spokesperson for Pollo Bucket responded to our query.
"To ensure the safety of our appointed officials and fighters, the decision was made to call for the bell as soon as referee Ted Thomas' ability to officiate was compromised. There is no controversy."
Of course, Pollo Road fans have disagreed with that notion since the event concluded. Although many fans expressed their allegiance as fans of Pollo Dorado II, they all agree that there was no clear intent to strike the official from El Cerdo Mostaza. One such fan added that he would've liked to see a replacement referee sent to the ring so that Dorado could make Mostaza submit. Another fan, noting he is NOT a fan of Dorado, believed that Pollo Bucket "did this to save their cash cow" and that Mostaza was well on his way to winning.
Dorado was assessed two yellow cards during the match, totalling $2,000 USD while Mostaza received a red card - a $5,000 fine. He will also receive a hearing during Fight Week in the lead-up to RAINBOW ROAD on 6/12 in Cleveland to determine further punishment for striking an official.