Chavez Jr vs. Rubio: WBC Should Have Granted Rubio's Request to Switch Ref

The WBC got stubborn and blew an easy chance to erase the possibility of accusations regarding a dirty or fixed Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.-Marco Antonio Rubio fight. 

This isn't about the reality of what might happen, but of the perception. In a sport that has taken hit after hit in big fights, they should be open to doing everything they can to add a sense of legitimacy. 

Let's take a look at why. 

Rubio's Request

Representation for Marco Antonio Rubio sent a request to remove Mexican referee Guadalupe Garcia from the upcoming fight.

Gabriel F. Cordero of FightNews.com reported news of the request:

"

[Representation for Marco Antonio Rubio is] requesting that the WBC, in pursuit of transparency, impartiality and sportsmanship, change from a Mexican referee to an international referee for Chavez Jr-Rubio.

"

The concern is that it would be impossible for a Mexican referee to be impartial to the son of a national legend, and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is most definitely the son of a legend. 

The WBC's Foolish Denial

Cordero also reports the news of the denial. 

"

The appointment of Lupe Garcia was in agreement with Dick Cole, head of the Commission of Texas. And it was a great achievement that referees from other countries are accepted to work in WBC title bouts in Texas. It’s a great opportunity we have awaited for years and it’s great news that we will not reject.

The WBC gives a vote of confidence to Lupe Garcia who will be our representative and we are confident that everything will be OK.

"

The WBC's reasoning is sound, but it still doesn't mean they made the right decision.

Here is why:

Where the WBC Failed

This is not meant to be a slam on Garcia. He has a sterling reputation. However, this is a situation he should not be put in in the first place. 

Let's just say he innocently makes a bad judgement call that favors Chavez Jr. It is going to be blown out of proportion and there is a strong portion of the boxing world that will never believe it was an innocent mistake. 

Now, let's just say he has a tough decision and makes the right call by leaning in favor of Chavez. He is still going to be slammed. 

The thought is out there that a Mexican referee will favor Chavez Jr. People are now going to be watching for that and ready to jump on the tiniest piece of evidence that could suggest that is the case. 

Why put Garcia, or the sport, in that situation? Just avoid it altogether and find a ref from a neutral country.