Chaos erupted in the Dominican Republic when a boxing referee was swarmed, brutally attacked, and then violently thrown from the ring during an event.
The shocking incident occurred last Saturday in Santo Domingo during a Shuan Boxing event headlined by bantamweights Marcelino Nieves and Norbelto Jimenez.
Marcelino Nieves, returning from an 18-month layoff, maintained his unbeaten record in what was his third 10-round bout.
However, the event was marred by violence when an enraged group targeted the referee, apparently angered by his officiating in an earlier fight.
Regardless of the specific reasons, the group of attackers subjected the defenseless official to a severe beating before casting him through the ropes.
In response, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman condemned the disturbing incident on social media and pledged an investigation into those responsible.
He stated: “This is a brutal, unacceptable and cowardly attack on a referee in the Dominican Republic. The WBC has appointed a committee to investigate, as these actions cannot be left unnoticed.”
Meanwhile, Sulaiman has also faced recent criticism regarding his decision to sanction a fight between WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
The proposed bout, reportedly scheduled for July 19th, has been called unsafe and irresponsible by many, particularly given Pacquiao`s recent exhibition history.
Sulaiman`s swift response to the referee attack, however, suggests he is capable of addressing pressing issues within the sport.
