American referee fair, seasoned

LOS ANGELES — Though his name may sound new, American referee Lou Moret is no newcomer.

So, expect the 60-year-old Moret to be in full, total control when Manny Pacquiao and Hector Velazquez square off Saturday evening at the Staples Center.

Moret has officiated a total of 112 title fights in 22 years, the best fights of which involving great world champions like Lennox Lewis and Oscar dela Hoya.

Caught on his way out of Staples Center after Friday’s official weigh-in, Moret said he’d make sure that the 12-round contest doesn’t get dirty.

It will be a non-title fight. But that doesn’t mean that the two fighters will treat it that way. In fact, they are both expected to go for an early kill.

"You always get worried about somebody getting hurt. So I’ll make sure that it’s a clean fight," said the 60-year-old Moret, a retired public administrator.

"I know him. He’s very professional. He’s a nice guy," said Freddie Roach, the American chief handler of Pacquiao.

While Moret will be the third man on the ring, the judging will be on the hands of Americans Pat Russel and Marty Samon, and Mexican Alejandrino Rochin.

The rules were laid down the table after the weigh-in: there’ll be no three-knockdown rule, no standing-eight count and a fighter cannot be saved by the bell in any of the rounds.

A fighter who intentionally spits his mouthpiece gets a point deduction. If he does it again, he will be disqualified automatically.

If the fight is stopped inside four rounds due to a cut, the fight will be ruled a technical draw. Outside four rounds then it goes to the scorecards. A fighter can be disqualified for an intentional headbutt.

"They are very strict with the rules. No bullshit. Those are their exact words," said Roach. — Abac Cordero