THE SIDELINES : Another ‘Long Count’ Furor

The president of the French Boxing Federation said today there will be no more World Boxing Organization bouts in France because of last week’s chaotic title fight in Deauville.

The super-welterweight bout between WBO champion John David Jackson of the United States and challenger Martin Camara of France on Saturday first was declared no contest because of a dispute over the count after Camara knocked Jackson down in the 11th round.

After long deliberation, the WBO announced that decision meant the title was vacant, and a rematch had to be scheduled within three months.

Today, WBO Director General Alberto Aleman of Panama reversed that decision and said Jackson remains champion.

The confusion was too much for Bernard Restout, president of the French federation.

“Having judged the incompetence of the WBO officials at Deauville, incapable of dealing with a contentious situation, I have decided to accept no further requests to organize fights involving the WBO,” Restout said.

Restout said Camara should have been declared the winner on a knockout. In the 11th round, Jackson appeared to be up at the referee’s count of nine, but the timekeeper seemed to be signaling 10, which started a premature celebration.