Referee Jack Reiss on the Night Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury Rose from the Canvas
The first fight between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury on December 1, 2018, is a moment that will forever be etched in boxing history. A dramatic twist occurred in the 12th round when Fury was knocked down by Wilder, only to defy expectations and rise from the canvas, continuing to fight. The event was a true test of a referee’s experience, and Jack Reiss, the legendary referee, played a pivotal role in determining the outcome of that unforgettable moment.
On a recent Fight Freaks Unite/Big Fight Weekend podcast, Reiss reflected on the night of the knockdown, his decision-making process, and how his unique background influenced his approach as a boxing referee. With 25 years and 1,152 bouts under his belt, Reiss brought a wealth of experience to the table, including a significant background as an EMT and firefighter for over 30 years. This experience, he explains, played a crucial role in his judgment during the Fury-Wilder fight.
Jack Reiss’s Role During the Dramatic Fury-Wilder Knockdown
As Fury went down in the 12th round, the moment was tense. Fans and analysts wondered whether Fury could recover in time or if Wilder would end the fight with his knockout power. Reiss, however, had a distinct advantage in his assessment of Fury’s condition, owing to his experience with trauma through his work as an EMT.
“I’m very familiar with trauma. I’m very comfortable with trauma because I personally assessed and watched my firefighters and paramedics assess trauma victims constantly,” Reiss stated during the podcast. This unique background allowed him to be calm and composed when Fury hit the canvas, and he was able to judge the situation without rushing into a decision.
He noted that Fury’s fall wasn’t as severe as it appeared. While many assumed that Fury’s head had slammed into the canvas, Reiss explained that Fury had fallen with his forearm, elbow, and shoulder absorbing the impact, and his head never hit the canvas.
Reiss further explained his decision, recalling the vital detail that helped him determine Fury’s ability to continue. “When I turned to him, he was laying flat on his back, but his right leg was up. His knee was bent and he was resting on the heel of his foot. That’s a conscious act.” Reiss believed this demonstrated that Fury was conscious and capable of continuing.
Fury’s Recovery: The Fascinating Insight of Reiss
As Reiss moved closer to Fury, he noticed key details that signaled the fighter was still aware and able to fight. “I noticed that he was squeezing his gloves,” Reiss recalled. “And as I got in closer, I could see his eyes were open. They weren’t wide open, but they were open.” In fact, Fury was tracking Reiss with his eyes, and by the time the referee reached five seconds into his count, Fury’s eyes widened, a sign that he was regaining full awareness.
Reiss decided to continue the count, and Fury, against all odds, rose from the canvas and went on to outbox Wilder in the final moments of the 12th round. Fury’s miraculous recovery and the drama that followed are now iconic moments in boxing history.
A Moment That Defined Boxing History
The 12th-round knockdown of Tyson Fury and his subsequent rise will forever be remembered as one of boxing’s most dramatic and inspiring comebacks. Thanks to the calm and experienced judgment of Jack Reiss, Fury was allowed the chance to continue, a moment that left fans and boxing pundits in awe.
Reiss’s decision not only impacted the outcome of this historic fight but also highlighted his unparalleled understanding of the human body’s resilience. With his extensive experience both as a paramedic and boxing referee, Reiss exemplified the rare combination of skill and intuition that is required in moments of high drama in the ring. Looking back, both Fury’s rise and Reiss’s critical decision will go down as one of boxing’s most thrilling chapters.
