By Jackie Kallen

OK, I am not going to be a sour loser or hold a pity party for Team Dallas over last night’s decision on ESPN2. That’s boxing. You win a few that could have gone the other way and you lose some close ones. But this decision baffles me.

I thought Michael Dallas clearly did enough to outpoint Herrera and get the win. A draw would have been upsetting to us, but acceptable. But a loss with one judge seeing it 98-92 for Herrera? That judge only gave Michael Dallas TWO rounds. Come on. Teddy Atlas had it 97-93 for Dallas.

Are there things that Michael could have done to up his game even more? Probably. But the improvement from his last fight to this fight was impressive. New trainer Virgil Hunter honed his skills and gave him confidence and a few new tricks.

As the fight progressed, I saw Michael turning it up, which showed me that his stamina and conditioning were perfect. He was not tired and seemed in command. Herrera appeared hurt a few times and our corner felt that we had a comfortable (if close) lead.

The first sign that there might be a problem came when we stood in the ring for what seemed like a very long time. That is usually not a good omen. I looked down at Teddy Atlas and he smiled, giving me the “thumbs up.” I looked at Dan Goossen who said he felt we had it.

When the first score was announced and it was a draw, I figured they got the close score out of the way first. Then the other two scores were announced and I immediately felt that we got the decision. I smiled and went to hug Michael. Then the announcer said, “Both for Herrera.”

I have to admit that I was stunned at first. How could that be? That 98-92 score threw me off. I could not see how any judge could give Dallas only two rounds.

After reflecting on it overnight, I have to accept that boxing is a very subjective sport. I know what I saw. But I am not one of the judges. Apparently they saw the fight from a different view. Michael will go back to the gym and work on improving even more.

I’m curious, though. What do the Boxing Insider readers think? Who won that fight?

Jackie Kallen is a boxing manager who has been in the business for over three decades. Her life inspired the Meg Ryan film “Against the Ropes” and she was a part of the NBC series “The Contender.” www.JackieKallen.com, www.facebook.com/JackieKallen

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