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Boxing world in uproar after fighter knocked out by 'dirty' act

Andrew Reid
·3-min read
Cristian Baez was brutally KO'd by Ruben Torres a split second after the pair touched gloves. Pic: Thompson Boxing
Cristian Baez was brutally KO'd by Ruben Torres a split second after the pair touched gloves. Pic: Thompson Boxing

Venezuelan fighter Cristian Baez paid a heavy price for failing to remember one of the most important rules in boxing: protect yourself at all times.

In an incident that has divided the fight world, Baez was brutally knocked out by Ruben Torres a split second after the pair touched gloves during the seventh round.

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Both fighters scored knockdowns during what was a brutal lightweight showdown in California on Sunday morning (AEST).

However, controversy erupted in round seven after Torres landed a knockdown with a vicious straight right hand.

A stunned Baez got up from the canvas after being given the all-clear to continue from the referee, before making the mistake of trying to touch gloves with his opponent.

Torres barely made contact with his opponent's glove before capitalising on Baez's lapse in concentration by immediately clocking him with a left hook to the face.

Baez dropped to the canvas like a sack of potatoes, leaving commentators in shock and viewers debating the legitimacy of the knockout.

Despite criticism from boxing fans that it was an unsporting tactic, Torres defending his actions by insisting his opponent should have been ready for anything.

“They always say protect yourself at all times,” Torres said.

“This is boxing and fighters like myself are always on the attack. The referee gave the signal to start fighting again and I came out guns blazing, especially after I knocked him down.

"I hit him with a left hook and that was it, the fight was over. I’m ready to move on to bigger and better fights as I march up the rankings.”

Pictured here, boxer Ruben Torres poses for photos after winning a bout.
Ruben Torres insists his KO of Cristian Baez was fair game. Pic: Twitter

Boxing world divided over Ruben Torres KO

PBC on Fox producer Mark Ortega said that assessment from Torres was a "lie" because he did touch gloves - albeit extremely briefly - with Baez.

“He went to touch gloves and then immediately uncorked the KO blow. Guns blazing would’ve been not touching gloves. Legal, but dirty,” Ortega tweeted.

The controversial incident certainly left its mark in the boxing world, with fans debating whether or not it was a fair move by Torres.

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