Richard Schaeffer and representatives of the Kelly Pavlik vs. Bernard Hopkins fight have come forward and announced that they have made a change to the referee for Saturday Night’s featured attraction.
Estemmed referee Benjy Esteves has been selected to replace Earl Morton.
Tuesday, Pavlik’s camp, spearheaded by manager Cameron Duncan, stated that due to an alleged friendship between Bernard Hopkins and Earl Morton, a conflict could arise in regards to officiating.
“I’m highly disturbed at these last minute changes,” stated Richard Schaeffer of Golden Boy Promotions. “They had three weeks to object to the judges and the referee and waiting until three days before is wrong.”
Arnold Joseph, attorney to Bernard Hopkins, added, “There’s unequivaclly no relationship between Bernard and Earl Morton.”
“We’re happy that the commission did the right thing. They picked a good official,” stated Duncan.
When asked about whether or not there were recent fights similar to this, Schaeffer stated, “In the Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight, Top Rank asked for a last minute judging switch, and that judge judged the fight for Pacquiao.”
That fight was a hotly disputed decision that went to Pacquiao by split decision.
Both Benjy Esteves and Earl Morton are highly regarded referees. Representatives of Hopkins and Golden Boy promotions hinted that waiting until three days before the fight raised some eyebrows.