A boxing match in Nigeria was halted after tear gas infiltrated the arena, leaving fighters gasping for air and covering their eyes during the bout. The incident occurred at the aptly-named 'Chaos in the Ring' event in Lagos, where local fighters Basit Adebayo and Loren Japhet were midway through their eight-round super lightweight contest when an unexpected interruption occurred.
Referee Calls Time-Out as Tear Gas Spreads
The referee called for a time-out as he and both fighters began coughing, retreating to their corners. The quick-thinking official grabbed a towel to cover his face, instructing each corner to do likewise. Both fighters and their teams were heard spluttering and wheezing as they waited. The DAZN commentary team confirmed that 'tear gas in the air' had forced the fight to stop. It was also confirmed that the gas was released outside the arena but found its way inside.
Chaos Sparked by Ticketless Fans
The Sun reports that the chaos was sparked as fans tried to enter without tickets for the show, which was headlined by popular social media influencers Portable and Carter Efe. British fighter Joe Laws, among those set to appear on the card, was caught up in the chaos and left the venue as the drama escalated.
'I can tell for a fact something has been released in the arena, causing a coughing fit for not only us at ringside but also now those in the ring,' the DAZN commentator said as the fight was stopped. 'We've had confirmation there is some tear gas in the air.'
'It does look we will have to take a break,' the co-commentator added. 'It sprayed from the outside but it looks like it has found its way into the hall.'
The action was eventually resumed, with Adebayo going on to claim victory.
