Referee Amy Pu Rejects Fighter Corner Towel in London Bout

Referee Rejects Fighter Corner Towel During London Boxing Bout

Irish amateur standout Adam Olaniyan defeated Bradford journeyman Dan Garber in a two-round heavyweight bout after referee Amy Pu twice refused to stop the fight when Garber’s corner threw in the towel. DAZN shared footage of the incident online, sparking immediate debate across the sport regarding corner safety and officiating rules.

Pu Ignores Towel to Knock Out Garber

The heavyweight clash saw Garber absorb heavy punches before a crisp right hand dropped him to the canvas early in the second round. Garber rose to one knee and met Pu’s count at eight. As he stood, his corner threw the towel into the ring. Pu had her back turned to the blue corner and initially missed the gesture until Olaniyan tapped her on the shoulder. Rather than wave off the bout, Pu kicked the towel out of the ring and signaled for action to continue.

Moments later, a backhand sent Garber tumbling back down to the canvas. The corner threw the towel in a second time, but Pu ignored it again to finish her count and officially wave off the bout.

Critics Debate Referee Decision Under Boxing Regulations

While the decision drew widespread criticism, it is noted that a referee overruling a corner’s attempt to withdraw a fighter is permitted under British Boxing Board of Control regulations, which leave the final decision with the official. Opinions on the broadcast desk were divided. On the talkSPORT commentary desk, Adam Catterall called the action odd behaviour, while Spencer Oliver questioned whether the fighter was genuinely hurt.

Writing for Ring Magazine, Louis Hart posted that corner teams know best and called the referee’s action irresponsible. Danny Gilfillan of Boxing News argued that rules should be modified so that a thrown towel automatically ends a bout, stating that officials cannot fully know a fighter’s condition in the gym.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.