Boxing ref Michael Griffin has spoken out for the first time about his decision to stop Anthony Joshua earlier this year.
The 30-year-old Brit lost his WBA, IBF and WBO world titles when he was stopped by Andy Ruiz Jr in a massive upset at Madison Square Garden.
Joshua looked dazed for a lot of the fight after being caught with big shots from the powerful American and was put on the canvas three times.
AJ came under criticism for the stoppage, with some suggesting he looked like he quit when he was dropped for the third time in round seven.
Advert
But referee Griffin dismissed those suggestions and explained what happened at that moment in the seventh round which sent shock waves through the heavyweight division.
Griffin explained: "I was looking into his (Joshua's) eyes. He was struggling with something. And he wasn't quitting. He was looking for more time.
Advert
"He turned his back on me. I picked up his mouthpiece. I don't think in any sense he was quitting the fight.
"He just wanted those seconds, but the rules don't allow me to give him those seconds.
"If you watch that fight, and you look at Andy in the corner, he's reading the same body language as me."
Joshua and Ruiz Jr will square off in a rematch on December 7 in Saudi Arabia.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Andy Ruiz Jr, Anthony Joshua