There is no denying that boxing is an immensely taxing sport. The intense training camps physically and mentally drain the fighters. It comes as no surprise that tempers are often seen during the pre-fights events. In fact, this stood steadfast at the recent Michael Gomez Jr. and Levi Giles face-off. Gomez Jr. was seen physically assaulting his opponent. And in turn, drew the ire of the boxing fraternity and fans.
Lawrence Okolie is set to defend his WBO World Cruiserweight against David Light at the Manchester Arena on March 25, 2023. Notably, Light won a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Gomez Jr, on the other hand, will face Giles for the vacant British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) English Super Featherweight title. It is worth mentioning that Gomez Jr. is the son of boxing legend Michael Gomez Sr. and currently holds the Central Area Super-Featherweight title.
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Tempers went out of control at their recent face-off. A video from the event showed Gomez Jr. aggressively approaching Giles. Moreover, he proceeded to lean toward him and push him with full force. Giles, who did not expect this attack, was taken off his feet.
I'm absolutely fuming with this totally out of order a serious complaints going in and I've a good mind to pull Levi out what a disgrace to boxing. https://t.co/85rIviXttg
— Carl Greaves (@CarlGreavesPro) March 24, 2023
Security personnel quickly stepped in to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, this incident angered boxing promoter, Carl Greaves. He went on to address his disappointment by calling it a “disgrace to boxing”. Additionally, he also mentioned that he was having thoughts of pulling Giles out of the fight.
Fans were not too happy with what Michael Gomez Jr. did
Boxing fans were not too happy with Gomez Jr’s actions. And they believed that the push was disrespectful to his opponent. In fact, a lot of them took to social media to share their thoughts about the same.
Disgraceful, somebody need to remind the kid he’s meant to be a professional athlete, act like one
— iG Fitness ™ (@IanGlassFitness) March 24, 2023
Many fans agreed that the action was “disgraceful.” A user named @IanGlassFitness felt that Gomez Sr. should teach his son to be more professional.
Pretty bad to see carl, do the talking in the ring I say
— Gavin Mcdonnell (@bigtwinnygav) March 24, 2023
That push was wrong absolutely, but would you actually pull your fighter out and have him miss out on a payday? Don’t mean any disrespect asking that question I just still wanna see the fight go ahead as I was looking forward to it
— Brendan Doyle (@brdoyle1998) March 24, 2023
Meanwhile, a few fans wanted Greaves to allow Giles to do the talking inside the ring.
Surprised if the board let's Gomez Jr fight after that.
Be a ban incoming.— Daniel Armstrong (@DanFeddon) March 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the same vein, a user named @DanFeddon was surprised that Gomez Jr. was allowed to fight after the incident. Moreover, he also speculated that Gomez Jr. might get banned for his actions.
See heres the problem, when a fighters family members and friends insult another fighters family name (Gomez) Do they not realise that their putting their fighter in the firing line. Team Giles are as much to blame for this as anyone else.
— Base Security (@Base_Security) March 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, Gomez Jr. also received a bit of support. As a matter of fact, user @Base_Security even put equal blame on Giles for the incident. What are your thoughts on this incident? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch This Story: Muhammad Ali by Will Smith, Rocky Marciano by Sylvester Stallone, and Other Great Biopics on Boxing Legends
