I feel like getting punched as a boxing referee is kind of an occupational hazard.
Videos by Wide Open Country
During the Rizin 49 Decade card in Japan, two boxers faced off as a warm-up for the main title fight. Both Sina Karimian and Rukiya Anpo were set to duel. However, this was the first boxing match of either of their careers, being kickboxers by practice.
What resulted was a clear flaunting of the rules of boxing. It is supposed to be a standing fight, with rules on where and how punches can be thrown. Spinning backfists are certainly out of the question. However, Karimian decided that he didn't care for that, and spun one out, connecting with Anpo.
Quickly, the referee stepped in, separating the two, and ducking the return blow, avoiding being punched. But, Karimian hardly showed remorse, as he paraded the ring, lapping up the praise. The referee scolded him, and let the fight continue.
And again, another spinning backfist is thrown, but this time by Anpo. It connects well, and Karimian gets a quick taste of his own medicine. But, now the rules have gone to the dogs, and another is returned. The referee steps in to separate the two twirling divas and is repeatedly punched in the process.
Referee Attempts To Break Up Brawl, And Gets Punched For His Efforts
The flurry of blows between the two men is maniacal. Elbows, fists, and jabs are flying, and the referee, a small man, places himself around them, attempting to break it up.
As he moves behind Karimian he gets a swift blow to the jaw. Then, as the referee moves between them he gets punched and elbowed in the face repeatedly. Its carnage. At this point, the two kickboxers are just trading blows in any way they can. The rules of stand-up boxing are out of the window, and the referee is well out of his depth.
Even when the boxers realize they have punched the referee, the blows continue to fall. It comes down to the security posted around the ring to break it up in the end.
THE REF TOOK A SHOT#RIZIN_DECADE pic.twitter.com/QwvVAgsnIB
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist)
