One of the many things thrown at referees in the sport is criticism. Particularly when they stop a bout early, don’t punish fouling or let fights go on too long.
Judges are open to more abuse given how they score a contest is subjective.
It should be noted some criticism is deserved and there is an obligation on media and stakeholders in the sport to question and query to ensure standards are met but sometimes it also goes too far, particularly online.
Yet referees have to make decisions in high-pressure circumstances, often with health of the fighters firmly in mind.
“There are situations where you get criticism and certain things are regarded as, if you like, ‘controversial’,” said Edwards.
“You get [made] aware of criticism, but I’ve always taken the view that comes with the territory.
“And if you don’t want to be in that situation, you shouldn’t be doing it.
“Obviously there might be situations where you do something and you think, ‘I’ll learn from that’ because we’re all learning all of the time and you can never say you’ve stopped learning.”
But social media means the negative examinations are very public.
“Personally, I don’t look at social media or anything like that,” said Edwards.
“Some do. I just take the view I’m there to do a job. I do it as best I can and get on with it.”
The risks of boxing are too well known, of course. Unfortunately death can happen.
The boxers’ corners know their fighters best but are invested in their success so sometimes can miss the time to pull a fighter out.
Nobody is closer than the referee.
“You do have to be always on it to notice if there is a change in one boxer, starting to tire, starting to become outclassed,” said Edwards.
“You develop that skill and that almost like a sixth sense for seeing what changes can take place. The corners know exactly what their boxer is capable of and see signs because, of course, the corner know the boxer so well.
“But you [the referee] do have, if you like, the best seat in the house in terms of seeing what’s happening.
“I’d also like to see more people aware that sometimes if a stoppage is made, they should just be aware that there is a danger involved and that the referee is best placed to make that decision as to when to stop a contest.
“Sometimes if I hear talk about that was premature and so on, I often think if it hadn’t been stopped what would have happened?”
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