By Geno McGahee
As time goes by, I find myself liking Triller less and less. This new “Triad Combat” focused on matching MMA guys that are past their prime versus boxers that are past their prime. Headlining Saturday’s show was former 2-time heavyweight title challenger, Kubrat Pulev, 28-2, 14 KO’s, taking on MMA fighter, Frank Mir, 0-1 in boxing, 18-11 in MMA.
The bout took place in a triangle ring, but it only mattered to Frank Mir. He could not get away. Despite the hope that Pulev was shot, he wasn’t. He’s still a top 20 heavyweight and easily dismantled Mir. There was no question going in, if you knew ANYTHING about boxing, that Pulev would destroy Mir. They wore the MMA gloves, but it didn’t matter. This was a basic boxing match and the simple one-two was enough.
Toward the end of the first round, a solid right hand put Mir out on his feet, but the referee refused to stop it. A left hook followed and now Mir was totally out on his feet and the referee watched on, apparently waiting for the bell to ring to end the round. Pulev didn’t want to hurt Mir and just waited until he had to go in. Once he started to get closer, the referee then stopped the fight. What terrible officiating. The right hand that put Mir out on his feet should have ended it. Pulev, realizing the referee probably had money riding on Mir making it out round one, landed a left hook to convince him to stop it. What shit.
I’m guessing this pay per view bombed, much like the Holyfield – Belfort card did. If they don’t have Mike Tyson or Jake Paul, they don’t have much.
