Journalism of Courage
India’s Cuban coach BI Fernandez realised he’d learnt the same set of lessons from his boxer Devendro’s win (against Sri Lankan Madushan Gamage) in the light flyweight opener as he did from a Devendro loss (against Paddy Barnes).
“In the new 10-9, 10-8 system of judging, it is the impression you make on the judges that matters more than the actual number of punches you land,” Fernandez said, adding that future preparations will take this factor into account.
“Against the Sri Lankan, our Devendro wasn’t very convincing in his entry. But he moved around a lot and used a lot of combinations, not all on target. Paddy Barnes was also running around a lot and the flurry helped create an impression very early of his dominance,” he said.
Now scoring isn’t about punches landed in sheer numbers, but boxers are scored on punches scored, as well as skills and technique.
“Though the number of punches is a dominating factor, boxers can make an early impression and pick a 10-9,” he added. Very few judgments have been disputed at the Games semifinal onwards, and it is a reflection of judges weighing in with who “looks like the more dominant and speedier boxer.” It helps the likes of Devendro and Vijender, who has altered his stance and style.
Ability to push opponents to the ropes also counts for much. “You have to keep moving and not linger in defensive positions for too long, the lull can cost you points,” he said, speaking of two fairly equal boxers.
“We’ll work on these things,” he said, adding that four silver was not bad coming out of isolation. “We’re not that much behind. We’ve dealt with the no headgear rule and can use it to our advantage in boxing.”
While commentators agree that judging is pretty subjective now and a lot boils down to perception, they agree that judges have to be on the lookout for boxers who may faux-box – get away with a lot of punching in the air.
“The scoring’s different, there’s actually so many hits and cuts, it’s a war. But you have to make an impression, and we accept whatever the norms are,” Vijender Singh says, adding that it’s definitely a better format for boxers to express themselves.
