David Adeleye stopped Jeamie Tshikeva in the sixth round to lay claim to the British heavyweight title under controversial circumstances.
In the sixth round, referee Ron Kearney tapped Tshikeva’s gloves and shouted ‘break’ while both men were in the clinch, only for Adeleye to floor his rival with a big left hook.
Despite this, Kearney administered a count as Tshikeva made his way back to his feet on unsteady legs.
As he did, Adeleye came hurtling in to deck Tshikeva soon after as Kearney waved off the fight.
Tshikeva’s corner protested the stoppage while the DAZN commentary was left stunned by the decision.
“He’s touched his hands,” said Barry Jones.
“I tell you what, they have a point there.
“He has touched the fighter’s hand. They could appeal this.”
The reaction online was one of outrage.
One supporter wrote: “Gets worse the more you see it.
“He physically pushed TKV’s hands down. Pathetic from the ref.
“Nothing against Adeleye, he did what he had to in the moment. But the ref needs questioning.”
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