John Lineker’s Manager Unveils Why He Decided to Throw-In the Towel During the ONE Fight Night 7 Main Event

The main event of ONE Fight Night 7 probably provided the fans with everything they had expected. Along with an awesome display of hand striking, the audience at the coveted Lumpini Stadium in Bangkok saw the effect of kicks and knees in a fight as well. The main event ended with a dream coming true for the new ONE Bantamweight World Champion, Fabricio Andrade. But, such an enthralling bout, expectedly, took its toll on both the fighters.

While the champion, Andrade, celebrated his victory from his hospital bed, his opponent, John Lineker, also faced a similar fate. The ONE Fight Night 7 main event was called off by the noted referee, Herb Dean, after the fourth round due to a towel throw from Lineker’s corner. Andrade put out a show of his stupendous striking skills right from the very first round, with stiff left jabs and knees. The situation ultimately forced a towel throw from Lineker’s manager and interpreter, Alex Davis.

Alex Davis opens up on his towel throw in the John Lineker vs Fabricio Andrade bout

Till the end of the fourth round, both the eye-sockets of Lineker showcased immense swelling also with a nasty cut over his right eye. Lineker’s manager-interpreter, Davis, was interviewed by ‘South China Morning Post’ recently. He revealed that ‘Hands of Stone’ was actually “fine” even after the fourth round.

He also put out a tweet on Sunday, revealing that he had been through some criticism for throwing in the towel. Davis had himself stated previously that Lineker was “fine”. Hence, a lot of viewers might have taken his towel throw as a controversial decision.

READ MORE – “That Was Painful”: Fans React to “Absolute Killer Kicks” Damaging Fighter’s Leg at ONE Fight Night 7

However, ‘Lineker’s manager’ mentioned the actual reason behind his decision in his 26 February tweet. Apart from talking about the criticism he had faced, he also stated, “It was a hard to do, specially it being a title fight. Both johns eyes were closed, I had to take that dec. Safety comes first. Congrats to both men & to Fabricio for winning the title!oss!@yodchatri @johnlineker @MattHume8”.

Davis’s action was quite understandable, being Lineker’s manager. A lot of fans witnessing the fight may also be in good agreement with the statements in his tweet.

Both John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade entered recovery mode after their bout

The former champ, ‘Hands of Stone’ Lineker, was in a visibly battered condition post the bout. He had to be helped down the steps of the ring of the Lumpini Stadium. Later, he was seen leaving the arena in a wheelchair to be hospitalized. His in-ring rival, ‘Wonderboy’ Andrade, also joined him at the same hospital afterward.

However, the more visibly battered one, Lineker, was released soon and was seen at the Rama Gardens just after a few hours. He walked normally without limping and also sported a sunglass under which there were two bandages.

READ MORE – Demetrious Johnson Applauds “Super Impressive” Fabricio Andrade, Excited for Brazilian to Throw Down Against John Lineker at ONE Fight Night 7

As of Sunday, ‘Wonderboy’ remained in the hospital. But his opponent, Lineker, probably might be eyeing another chance to prove himself. He talked to ‘South China Morning Post’ after his hospital release, where he stated he would be really interested in a trilogy fight with Andrade.

How do you see it unfolding if that Trilogy fight ever happens?