Veteran official, Herb Dean has defended his referring display at earlier this month amid criticizm for his officiating in the event’s headliner between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, after issuing multiple warnings to the latter to “work” and engage in action.
Dean, who officiated the undisputed bantamweight title fight between incumbent gold holder, O’Malley and challenger, Dvalishvili, called a halt to action early in the opening round after the Georgian began speaking with the champion’s cornerman and head coach, Tim Welch — who goaded him during the initial exchanges.
And issuing a warning to Dvalishvili after he kissed O’Malley on the back during a dominant grappling exchange before the end of the third round, Dean was criticized by color-commenator, Joe Rogan as well as play-by-play lead, Jon Anik after he told Dvalishvili to “work” on multiple occasions in the championship rounds, despite circling and holding an lead on the judge’s scorecards.