THE IBF INTERIM super middleweight title fight between Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in Maryland ended in highly controversial circumstances on Saturday, as the latter was disqualified before being punched in the face by Dirrell’s uncle and trainer.
Venezuelan Uzcategui had already been warned for landing a shot after the bell earlier in the fight when he repeated the offence in round eight, flooring Dirrell with the last strike of a three-punch combination.
Referee Bill Clancy ruled that Dirrell was unable to continue and disqualified Uzcategui, but further drama soon followed.
Amid significant anger from the Dirrell camp, his cornerman Leon Lawson Jr approached Uzcategui and threw a sickening sucker-punch that landed flush on the 26-year-old’s chin.
Showtime host Jim Gray reported that Lawson Jr was being sought by police in connection with the incident, while Dirrell issued an apology for his uncle’s actions.
“I’m very apologetic for what my coach has done. But he loves me. That’s my man, that’s my uncle, that’s my brother, that’s my coach. He cares about my well-being first,” the American told CBS Sports.
“I don’t understand why he did that because, like I said, I feel fine. But this is just the way the cards is dealt sometimes. I have to deal with this, Jose has to deal with this loss and my uncle has to deal with whatever you have to do to him on the board. But please forgive him.”
Reflecting on the punch that resulted in Uzcategui’s disqualification, Dirrell added: “All I heard was the bell and me going down. But I forgive Uzcategui with all my heart. I don’t want to win a championship like this.”
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Don’t be too sure… Apparently, there’s a lot of communions and confirmations down in Munster this weekend!
It’s gonna be a cracker!
Come on Leo’s Lions!
Time to stand up and fight
@John Quinn: as a leinster fan id be more worried if munster tried to play rugby, standing and fighting hasn’t done them any good for 13 years.
Is there any way of telling, before you click in on an article, that a subscription is required to read? Makes this website experience tedious
@Paul C: you know when you’re scrolling and each article has a little hastag on it (on my phone anyway) well it seems to be the ones that’s have this highlighted in blue/green/turquoise sort of colour.
@SPQH: I’m noticing now they all say “analysis”
@Paul C: The ones marked analysis in green are paywall articles. You can sign in up the top left with an email address without having to pay a subscription and see most of the articles currently. That’s what’s working for me anyway.
@SPQH: well spotted. Thanks
I think it will be a cracker and not as clear cut as some think. The fans will have a great day
@Phillip Keohane: From an entertainment perspective, i hope you’re right. I doubt it though. Leinster to win in third gear i’d say. Munster have the intensity and attitude alright but they are not at the same technical and cohesion levels as Leinster imo.
@niall kelly: Leinster need to keep the focus on the European Cup which will define their season. However it looks more like the quality of player missing from Munster due to injury makes it hard to see past Leinster. Still, it’s sport so, you never know.
Munster have nothing to lose I’ll think it will be a dog fight . A great game for the fans
Leinster were red hot favourites last year to win the Champions Cup and also lost in the URC. There are no favourites both teams will give everything. I hope Leinster win tomorrow but if Munster win I will be the first to congratulate them.
I’d be surprised that they will travel up.I hope they do,they are needed for the atmosphere, but I don’t think they believe they have a chance. It’s a pity the great games of Munster v Leinster rivalry, ROG pumping it up at the crowd, Johnny in ROg face,that real rivalry where the outcome was in doubt is gone.
Leinster are so dominant that Munster supporters won’t spend the money to see their team lose.They will come up and hope to get more joy outta supporting ROG