Watch: Football Legend Diego Maradona Boxing in an Exhibition Match, Mistakenly Attacks the Referee

It’s been a little over two years since the world of boxing lost one of its most revered players. The Argentinian footballer, Diego Maradona passed away on the 25th of November, 2020 at the age of 60. Ever since his passing, folks have always turned to his memories in the sports field to remember the personality that he was. He is well remembered as one of the best footballers that time has ever given us. However, it’s just his football prowess that keeps him relevant in sports. Its also his venture into boxing that made him the sportsman that he was.

The football legend entered the ring for the first time in 1996 against his friend and former world champion Santos Laciar in a three-round exhibition bout. The proceeds of the match were to go to General Paz Junior’s Club in Cordoba, Argentina. The matchup even today is remembered for the interest the footballer showed in boxing. But did you know that it is also remembered for a goof-up?

He was the referee, Diego Maradona!

In April 1996, he stepped into the ring with his friend Falucho for an exhibition bout that embodied the spirit of philanthropy. Deigo’s opponent, Flyweight Falucho, emerged as a sporting hero in Argentina in 1981. At that time, he journeyed to South Africa, knocked out Peter Mathebula, and returned home with the WBA world title.

On the 15th anniversary of this historic victory, the boxer entered the ring yet again. And this time it was against his pal and a sports legend. But the fight was not for the fight’s sake, but instead a humanitarian mission.

At that time, Maradona, who was at the peak of his football career, was playing for Boca Juniors. Most people assumed that Maradona would heavily lose the matchup due to his inexperience in the boxing ring.

However, the highlight of the fight was when both the fighters in the ring at one point stopped attacking each other. Instead, they turned their focus toward the referee.

A user commented, “The amazing part was, I thought he was the dude in the white shorts… then I saw him dribbling the ball and he was the dude in the yellow shorts.” Dmanz123 here is talking about the powerful jabs Maradona took toward his opponent. Unusual for someone who has never entered the boxing ring.

Roby H praised the footwork shown by Maradona. He said, “that’s actually a good footwork”

After the matchup, the footballer entertained the crowd with keepie uppies in the ring. What a force of nature, right?

Also Read: Watch: Football Legend Diego Maradona Shines as a Boxer in a Resurfaced Video

A jolly person at heart, who took to charity whenever he could, the footballer will go down in history as one of the most loved sportsmen ever.

What do you think of his boxing skills as seen in the video? Let us know in the comments section below.

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