"I cannot believe this," Moraetes said repeatedly.

Referee Becky Suazo disqualified Augusta's Ray Whitfield in the third round of the quarterfinal light flyweight bout with Israel Crespo in the National Police Athletic League championships at Warren Road Gym on Thursday night.

"Obviously, that referee has never boxed before," said Moraetes, who is Whitfield's coach and the director of Augusta Boxing Club. "It's a travesty."

Whitfield, ranked No. 1 in the 106-pound class by USA Boxing, was handed his first disqualification since beginning his career in 1996.

Israel Castro, right, of Philadelphia, PA, jumps after being named the winner in a controversial decision after Augusta's Ray Whitfield, left, was disqualified. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF

At 5-foot-8, Whitfield had a 7-inch height advantage over the 5-1 Crespo. The height difference led to some holding and pushing.

Suavo consistently gave out warnings to both boxers in each round. Then, she deducted two points from Whitfield for two wrestling incidents. In Round 3, Suavo gave Whitfield a third deduction for pushing.

Anytime a boxer receives three points in deductions at the PAL championships, disqualification is automatic. Despite having four points in deductions before the fight was stopped, Whitfield was ahead on points, 18-16, with one round remaining.

"Ray has never had one point taken away from him in his life," said Moraetes, who did not allow Whitfield to speak to the media after the bout.

"The sad part about this is he trained for eight weeks to fight on his home ground, and he just got ranked No. 1 Friday."

The loss will not hurt Whitfield's place atop the flyweight division rankings. Aaron Alafa, the second-ranked boxer, has moved up to the 112-pound division. The next two boxers in the rankings did not attend the PAL championships and are too far behind in points to catch Whitfield in the standings.

A bit of good news for Whitfield was received by Moraetes on Wednesday night. The 21-year-old Whitfield was named the 2002 Michael Nunnally award recipient. The award is a culmination of qualities inside and outside the ring.

"That's like winning the Heisman Trophy award of boxing," Moraetes said. "We're extremely thrilled. Anytime you can receive a historical award, it's great."

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 868-1222, Ext. 114.