MMA/Boxing

Instant Replay In Boxing? Yes, And It’ll Be Used For Manny Pacquiao’s Next Fight

The use of instant replay in boxing will get its biggest stage in November when it is implemented for the third episode of the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Mañuel Marquez rivalry.

GMANews is reporting the technology, first authorized for use in Nevada back in 2009, will be active for the WBO welterweight championship fight scheduled November 12 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.

All four major U.S. sports leagues use replay in some capacity, but it appears this is the first time it will be in use in a championship boxing match. If you’re like us, you’re a bit confused as to how exactly instant replay could be implemented in boxing. But we’ll find out in November.

GMANews quotes Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer as stating the controversial nature of the first two Pacquiao-Marquez matches — the first of which was a draw, the second a split-decision Pacquiao victory — was the reason for using the technology in the fight.

The rule as passed in 2009 by the NAC reads as follows:

A referee at the conclusion of a contest or exhibition stopped immediately due to an injury to an unarmed combatant pursuant to NAC 467.718 and after making a decision, may view a replay if available in order to determine whether the injury in question was caused a legal blow or a foul.

While this is the first championship fight in Nevada to promote the use of instant replay, it has been used in numerous MMA fights held in Nevada.