Thomas Carty's heavyweight clash with Dave Allen at Croke Park ended in a bizarre no-contest after the Irish favourite fell out of the ring in the first round. The bout, which served as the chief support for Katie Taylor's final fight before her retirement, was over after just one minute and 22 seconds, with Carty unable to continue.
A sudden end to a promising bout
Allen caught Carty on the back of the head with a clubbing right hand, and the Dublin southpaw tumbled through the ropes as much through momentum as the shot itself, landing on the floor on his back. A seemingly innocuous punch to the back of Carty's head was suddenly followed by him falling through the ropes, leaving the 80,000-strong crowd in disbelief.
After receiving medical attention, including oxygen for several minutes, Carty walked back to the changing room, and the fight was abandoned. The incident occurred just 92 seconds into the contest, cutting short what was meant to be a significant opportunity for Carty, who was seeking the biggest win of his 12-bout career.
Allen left bemused by the outcome
Allen, a 34-year-old journeyman from Doncaster, looked as bemused as the crowd at the way the fight had ended. The no-contest result means neither fighter gets a win on their record, a frustrating outcome for both after such a brief and unusual encounter.
The bout was part of a high-profile card at Croke Park, headlined by Katie Taylor's final fight before retirement. The abrupt ending to the heavyweight clash was an unexpected twist on a night expected to celebrate Taylor's career.
Aftermath and next steps
Carty's condition appeared stable as he left the arena, but the abrupt conclusion leaves questions about a potential rematch or future bouts for both fighters. Allen, known for his durability and experience, may seek another opponent, while Carty will likely need time to recover before considering his next move in the heavyweight division.
