S7 Ep837: Jack Reiss on retirement, A.I in judging, how to judge a fight correctly and calls out Al Bernstein

In this compelling episode of "Leave It in the Ring," we are honored to have the return of the highly regarded boxing referee, Jack Reiss, who has recently retired from officiating. Known for his unwavering professionalism, fair-mindedness, and sharp attention to detail, Reiss has earned immense respect within the boxing community. With decades of experience and countless matches under his belt, he is celebrated as one of the most skilled and dependable referees in the sport.

As the conversation unfolds, Reiss candidly reflects on his decision to step away from refereeing, savoring the transition to a full-time judging role in the boxing arena. He poignantly notes, "There’s no defending Father Time," capturing the inevitability of aging. He expresses deep satisfaction that he was able to conclude his refereeing career on his own terms, rather than succumbing to external pressures from peers to retire.

Reiss dives into the complexities of defending boxing against the often unfounded accusations of corruption that casual fans may throw around. Instead of reacting with frustration, he expresses a desire to guide these fans toward a deeper understanding of the sport’s intricacies. He sheds light on the toxicity present in fan criticism, explaining how some observers can be unrelenting and harsh in their evaluations, leading to contemplating departure of the sport by his colleagues, but convinced them to stay. He underscores the lack of education many fans have about the fundamental rules and nuances of boxing, revealing a concerning gap in knowledge.

The conversation then shifts to a hot topic in the sport: the integration of artificial intelligence in judging, especially concerning the recent rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Reiss takes a moment to clarify the four essential criteria for effectively judging a fight while outlining the proper methodology for evaluation. He passionately points out how numerous boxing commentators often falter in their assessments, sharing his dissatisfaction with their analyses and interpretations. In a bold move, he proposes that "Leave It in the Ring" invite Hall of Fame commentator and sports writer Al Bernstein for a spirited debate to explore these discrepancies.

During our second interview, Jack Reiss holds nothing back, generously offering his vast reservoir of knowledge and insights to the eager fans tuning in, making for an enlightening and entertaining discussion.