‘That Referee Needs to Be Fired’: Boxing Fans Outraged by the ‘Very Soft Stoppage’ of the Gary Antonio Russell vs Emmanuel Rodriguez Fight

Bantamweight maestro Gary Antonio Russell recently faced Emmanuel Rodriguez for yet another sensational showdown. Boxing fans were treated to a true display of pugilistic prowess. With a beautiful mix of both raw strength and lightning-fast speed. It can be said that in a way this fight was a journey of redemption for both fighters after their last fight ended in a no contest.

Russell previously faced Rodriguez at the Barclays Center in New York City on August 14, 2021. However, that bout ended in a contest after Rodriguez suffered an accidental headbutt during the fight.

The bout started slowly, with both fighters pacing themselves. But it was a closely knit affair with Rodriguez expertly countering Russell’s attacks.

The next few rounds saw Russell struggling to land punches. Rodriguez, on the other hand, did not have any issues unleashing brutal counters. The eighth round saw an exciting change of pace. Russell was knocked down by Rodriguez with a brutal right hook. And he was given a minute to compose himself.

The ninth round saw a recreation of what happened between the duo in their previous fight in 2021. Rodriguez was once again subjected to an accidental headbutt. This, in turn, caused a nasty bruise under his eye, prompting doctors to declare him unfit to continue. The fight was then taken to the scorecards, where he was declared the winner by decision.

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It should also be noted that this was the first loss of Russell’s professional career.

Fans share their thoughts on Emmanuel Rodriguez vs Gary Antonio Russell

Boxing fans were happy to see Emmanuel Rodriguez emerge as the victor. But they also had a few choice words to say about some decisions made during the fight.

User @Shownuff16G congratulated Rodriguez for his win. And also mentioned that Russell was not his usual self during the fight.

User @StrykerBadger did not mince words while mentioning that Russell is a bad fighter, despite fighting ‘dirty’.

Similarly, user @aaaa95288014 also felt that Rodriguez should have stopped Russell.

Meanwhile, a few fans felt that the fight should not have been continued after the accidental headbutt.

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What are your thoughts on the fight? Let us know in the comments below.