Late-Punch Victory Is Nullified in New Jersey
Larry Hazzard, chairman of the New Jersey boxing commission, ruled Tomas Molinares’ knockout of Marlon Starling July 29 for the World Boxing Assn. welterweight title a no-decision because the knockout punch came after the bell ending the sixth round.
Molinares, of Colombia, knocked Starling cold with a right hand in the bout at Atlantic City, N.J. Referee Joe Cortez counted out Starling and said afterward he thought the knockout punch was in motion when the bell sounded.
Starling’s adviser, Mort Sharnik, vigorously argued Cortez’s ruling and filed a protest with the WBA. Starling was ahead on the judges’ cards when the bout ended.
Despite Hazzard’s ruling, Molinares will keep the title unless the WBA also overturns the decision. WBA officials could not be reached for comment.
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