Boxing fans in the Dominican Republic got a post-show encore after the winner was announced, and people decided to take their frustrations out on the ref.
Ref Smaylin Valdez had just raised the hand of Norbelto Jiménez. He was crowned the winner of the 10-round super bantamweight bout in the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center in Santo Domingo. But someone wasn’t happy with the result.
Footage from the scene shows a man climbing into the ring and punching the boxing ref. The attack can be seen in the background of the shot. Valdez was calmly standing in the ring before someone blasted him with a heavyweight right hook. Instantly, the ref staggers back, and all hell breaks loose.
The original assailant wasn’t the only one unhappy with the ref’s decision because after the first rocking blow, more people piled into the ring. A scene reminiscent of the glory days of WWE blows the ring apart as the brawl grows.
Flurries of fists are being thrown by the ref, the security, and people unhappy with the boxing result. Meanwhile, Jiménez is simply standing there, watching the mayhem unfold. As more people pile in, the camera moves back to catch the post-match, bareknuckle event.
Eventually, Valdez can be seen making a hasty exit, the only way he can. The blue-shirted ref finally leaves the boxing ring by launching himself between the ropes in a swan dive. The prospect of hitting the ground from height is preferable to the hail of punches he was being served in the ring.
Boxing Promoter Voices Shock At Attack On Controversial Ref
The reason for the massive attack on the boxing ref is unknown. Maybe he made a few calls people didn’t like, perhaps he scored badly. Who knows. Even the organizers are confused as to why the huge brawl broke out post-game.
“We deeply regret some inappropriate behavior that occurred during the event.” They then pass the blame, of course. They claim it was “perpetrated by individuals who do not represent the values and philosophy of our company.”.
Furthermore, they promised better behaviour in the future. “We extend our sincere apologies to the public and all attendees who may have been affected by this behavior beyond our control. We are taking the necessary measures to ensure similar situations do not occur in future editions.”
Personally, getting a wild, hell in a cell style brawl post boxing match, including the ref, would be enough for me to buy a ticket.