Written By William Trillo
 

 

Before WBA Cruiserweight Champ Virgil Hill took on Henry Maske, who had not fought in 10 years since Hill beat him, there were rumors that the American would tank the bout to set up a rubber match. To that innuendo Hill was quoted as saying, “That’s stupid, I would damage my reputation and thereby reduce my earnings potential. Whoever says that doesn't know me.”

 

Even retired undefeated former WBA & IBF Super Middle Champ Sven Ottke remarked, “This is not good for the sport. If things go normally, Henry doesn't have a ghost of a chance. He can't have any reflexes left."

 

Hill was to be paid a reported $1.33 million in a boxing market that is increasingly one of the tops for paydays.

 

Well folks, they fought the fight last night, and if it had been a close decision victory for Maske, people wouldn't have questioned it, but this was a total wipe out. And that was after Maske was penalized a point for a head butt during the bout.

 

SO... 

 

What are we to think.

 

Take a quick look at the judges scorecards:

 

Judge: Matteo Fratini 110-117 | Judge: Dusan Hecko 110-117 | Judge: Roger Tilleman 113-116

 

Making it all the more ridiculous and easier to sway to the side of the rumors is Hill's WBA title was not, I repeat NOT on the line!

 

WHY NOT? 

 

The guess here is within weeks a much more lucrative rematch will be made, and it will take place in that high paying German market.

 

It's your call from here.

 

Was it a legit fight?

 

In recent boxing history only one man came back and regained his title after a layoff of 10 years, that was George Foreman, and while his skills had diminished he still had a right hand like a sledgehammer.

 

Maske? Well, who knows...