Question 2): Yes, the entire fight was clear cut and without controversy.
Question 3): No, Pascal was gassed more so than anything. I don't think Bute had him or anything, and if the ref told him to move or show him something, Pascal definitely would've done it.
I score it to Pascal by 4 points.
I think they knew and agree with the official verdict but not as wide as those 117-110 and 117-111 scores.
No the ref should not play god especially with the fight winding down. Pascal indeed took many shots to the head in that sequence but I think he was more tired than hurt and he was merely coasting along. If Bute could take Pascal out, he could have done it in the earlier rounds. Bute was more noted for his body punching and I think he could have hurt Pascal more in that sequence and prompted the ref to take a closer look had he mixed his attack to the body.
I scored it 117-111. The HBO team had it as a landslide for Pascal. Bute looked unsure and his corner made it clear between round before the 11th and 12 rounds. And no, Pascal never looked very hurt. I am sure hr could see Pascal's eyes and see he was okay. His tactics of standing in the corner with his hands down vs a puncher like Bute wasn't smart. He survived though.
Q1: I scored it 117-111 for Pascal. Lucian bute won 3 rounds and Pascal won 9.
Q2: The HBO commentators agreed that Pascal won but they tried to give him every round. I thought Bute won a few rounds.
Q3: Bute was finding momentum but it did not deserve to be stopped.
I'm from the UK and watched this fight on Sky Sports and was surprised to hear the commentators and pundits bemoaning the wide points win Pascal scored over Bute.
Here are the official scorecards
116-112 - 117-110 - 117-111
I scored it 117-112 for Pascal.
Question 1) How did you score it
Question 2) Did the HBO commentary team & pundits agree with the decision and official scoring?
Question 3) Should the referee have stepped in in the 12th when Pascal took numerous shots to the head with no reply? I thought those tactics were risky if I were officiating that contest I'd have stopped him there, he didn't throw a punch back for about 45 seconds!
