Clean fight is Bayless’ top priority

LAS VEGAS – Referee Kenny Bayless said he didn’t look for anything special to do in working Manny Pacquiao’s win over Timothy Bradley for the WBO welterweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here Saturday night.

Bayless, 63, has now worked seven Pacquiao fights, including the Filipino’s sixth round knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez two years ago. He was the third man in the ring when Pacquiao stopped Erik Morales (second fight), halted Miguel Cotto and Ricky Hatton and decisioned Marquez (second fight) and Sugar Shane Mosley.

Asked if he studies the styles of fighters before a bout, Bayless said, “as a referee, I just need to be there and do my job.” What he observed in the first bout between Pacquiao and Bradley was their respect for each other. “The fight was clean and both fighters were enjoyable to watch.”

Bayless said when he’s assigned to do a fight involving a superstar like Pacquiao, it’s an honor. “Every time, we get the assignment to officiate a super fight like this one, regardless of whom the fighters are, it’s special,” he said. “That’s why I thank the Nevada Boxing Commission for the assignment and I’m very thankful to be in the position to show my skills in the ring.”

Bayless said the hallmarks of a top-level referee are dedication and a willingness to learn and improve through his officiating career. Regarding friendships with active or retired fighters, Bayless said he hardly is in contact. “I don’t have any problems with ex-fighters before and after their careers,” he said. “I don’t come in contact with them much at all. But there is no problem here.”

In the Pacquiao-Mosley fight, Bayless made a mistake of giving the Filipino a mandatory eight count. A replay showed Pacquiao was tripped and fell so there was no knockdown only a slip. But Bayless couldn’t retract. He later apologized to Pacquiao through Freddie Roach for missing the call.

“I want fighters and fans to know that my approach to every fight that I referee is to be fair to both sides and that I’m going to do my very best to keep the fight clean,” said Bayless in no uncertain terms. His high level of integrity is well-known in boxing circles.

Bayless said he has worked at least 115 world title fights but still gets excited when the bell rings. “I got nervous the first time I got in the ring of a Golden Gloves amateur boxing card which was over 25 years ago,” he said. “I get more excited than nervous but I have to control my emotions. It’s no problem. I’ve had some great fights in the past so it’s hard to pick out just one best of all.”

A former NCAA track star and a prostate cancer survivor, Bayless said he owes his recovery to the Lord and his wife Lynora, a well-known nutritionist.

In the Pacquiao-Bradley rematch, the only untoward incident happened in the 12th round when Bradley butted Pacquiao, opening a gash over the left eye. No point deduction was slapped on Bradley for his heady behavior. Bayless had matters under control even as Bradley fought wildly in the late going.

Pacquiao beat Bradley on a unanimous 12-round decision. The three judges Michael Pernick, Glenn Trowbridge and John Keane’s replacement Craig Metcalf agreed on only six rounds which were awarded to Pacquiao – the second, sixth, seventh, 10th, 11th and 12th. Trowbridge scored it 118-110, Pernick 116-112 and Metcalf 116-112. The Star also saw it 116-112 with Bradley taking four rounds.

Although known as a volume puncher, Pacquiao threw less than Bradley, 563 to 627 but the Filipino had a higher rate of connection, 35 percent to 22 percent. Bradley unleashed more jabs, 287-219, but was less accurate, 32 percent to 50 percent. Pacquiao had the edge in power punches, 344-340, with a connection rate of 43 percent compared to Bradley’s 32 percent.