#andre dirrell

In a rematch that ended in a disqualification last time out (in May of 2017) it was Uzcategui who got the last laugh tonight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The fight suffered some controversy at the last-minute over confusion to Mexican Uzcategui regarding a last-minute drug test, but the bout was cleared to go ahead after some confusion ringside.

There was a lot of nervous energy…

Andre Dirrell vs. Jose Uzcategui

Showtime Championship Boxing

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

By Hector Franco

Follow @MrHector_Franco !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');

Published: June 27, 2017

This week the International Boxing Federation (IBF) ordered a rematch to take place between Michigan’s Andre Dirrell (26-2, 16 KOs) and Jose Uzcategui (26-2, 22 KOs). The two men first battled last May in Oxon Hill, Maryland where the fight ended in controversial fashion. At the end of the eighth round, Uzcategui landed a punch after the bell during a three-punch combination that dropped Dirrell to the canvas. The referee, Bill Clancy, chose to stop the fight and disqualify Uzcategui for the punch after the bell. 

Afterward, all hell broke loose as multiple members of Dirrell’s camp caused a scene outside of the ring. What the fight will be remembered the most for is when Dirrell’s Uncle Leon Lawson entered the ring and punched Uzcategui in the face. For this action, Lawson has been banned by multiple organizations from working a corner. The legal ramifications as to what will happen to Lawson has yet to be determined. It is highly probable that in the rematch Lawson will not be in Dirrell’s corner. 

The IBF must have taken into consideration how competitive the fight was before the stoppage as both men had their moments. It is possible for a rematch to take place this year if both men did not suffer any injuries from the first fight. Uzcategui’s agent Sean Gibbons spoke with boxingscene.com, regarding the next steps being taken with the rematch and Leon Lawson. 

"“We go to court on August 16, he will be tried that day. With something like this, it was a horrible thing, he should be made an example of, but the court system is about making deals, so whatever he gets, even if he doesn’t do anytime, he will get a lengthy probation. He’ll never be in the corner for a world title fight with any organization again.” "  -- Sean Gibbons

In a letter that was provided to boxingscene.com, the IBF president Daryl Peoples gives a breakdown as to why they decided to order a rematch. The IBF feels that the punch that landed after the bell was unintentional by Uzcategui.  They also believe that referee Bill Clancy made a mistake in letting Dirrell know that he was thinking of disqualifying Uzcategui. 

"“During our review of the fight, The championships chairman and I observed Jose Uzcategui hit Andre Dirrell and knock him to the canvas after the bell had sounded ending the eighth round. The punch that knocked Dirrell down was part of a 3-punch combination. Immediately following the knockdown referee Bill Clancy called ‘time out’ and asked Andre Dirrell if he was ‘ok’. Andre Dirrell was on his hands and knees and shook his head in the affirmative.”  "The IBF has also determined that it was inappropriate for the Referee to advise Dirrell of the decision of the bout prior to the official decision being announced. Based on the above, the IBF considers the Referee’s failure to determine whether the foul was intentional or accidental and that the Referee informed Dirrell of the official decision before the decision was announced, the IBF has ruled that the Referee’s conduct was inappropriate and will grant an immediate rematch pursuant to rule 5.K.” "  -- Daryl Peoples

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

By Hector Franco

Follow @MrHector_Franco !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');

Published: May 24, 2017

MGM NATIONAL HARBOR – This past weekend in Oxon Hill, Maryland fans were witness to another night of controversy within the sport of boxing. It started off with a controversial decision win for Rances Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs) over Kiryl Relikh (21-2, 19 KOs) in a fight most observers thought Relikh won. Afterward, a super middleweight bout between Andre Dirrell (26-2, 16 KOs) and Jose Uzcategui (26-2, 22 KOs) took place to determine the interim IBF champion to challenge IBF champion James Degale (23-1-1, 14 KOs). 

Unfortunately for both Dirrell and Uzcategui most of the attention was put on what happened after their fight instead of during the fight. The match between Dirrell and Uzcategui was competitive and entertaining with shifts of momentum. Uzcategui was able to hurt Dirrell in the second and third rounds with right hands. In what may have been a premonition of things to come Uzcategui landed a punch after the bell in the second round and was sternly warned by referee Bill Clancy. Dirrell to his credit was able to adjust landing carefully timed straight lefts from the southpaw stance as Uzcategui kept pressuring forward. 

The eighth round is where the fight came to an end as the Venezuelan kept the pressure on Dirrell and landed a combination on the ropes. Two of the punches of the combination landed right before the bell rang, but the last punch landed right after the bell. This punch knocked Dirrell down leaving the Flint, Michigan native unable to continue. The referee mentioned to Dirrell that he was going to disqualify Uzcategui, which may have been a mistake as Dirrell was conscious and responding back to questions.

The punch that knocked Dirrell down was part of a combination and would be difficult to pull back on when the bell rang. Clancy was not close enough to the two fighters when the bell rang and was complicit in how the fight ended.  At the time the fight was stopped Uzcategui was ahead on the judge's scorecards with scores of 77-74, 77-75, and one judge scoring the fight even at 76-76. 

After the fight emotions from the Dirrell camp were high, but Dirrell himself kept his composure and even went over to Uzcategui and embraced him in a show of sportsmanship. Dirrell’s trainer Leon Lawson decided to take a different approach. Lawson instead walked up to Uzcategui and sucker punched him with a vicious left hook that caused another melee in the ring. 

This may be the last time boxing fans see Lawson near a boxing ring for quite some time. Afterward, a warrant for the arrest of Lawson was issued, and as of this writing he has still not been arrested. The main event that night that saw Gary Russell Jr. (28-1, 17 KOs) stop Oscar Escandon (25-3, 17 KOs) in seven rounds. It was an exciting bout and excellent performance by Russell that was completely overshadowed by Lawson's actions. 

Now after all the controversy Dirrell and Uzcategui stand at a crossroads of what to do next. With the fight being so close and competitive a rematch is warranted. Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions spoke with ESPN Deportes about Lawson, having the IBF order a rematch, and changing the fight to a no-contest.

"“It was an outrage from all sides. It was a very painful thing that made Dirrell’s team look cowardly, with a punch that was practically snuck in. We are going to legally prosecute Dirrell’s team and whoever is responsible. Dirrell was running, he was terrified of Uzcategui. The best thing would be to make the fight a no-contest. Neither a victory for one nor a victory for the other. Let the IBF order a direct rematch and fix things as things should be fixed in this sport, in the ring.”"  -- Fernando Beltran

The WBC (world boxing council) issued a statement suspending Lawson from any WBC sanctioned fight. They were not alone as The Association of Boxing Commissions also called for all commissions not to license Lawson to participate in any future boxing matches as a corner man. 

"“The actions, which have been seen all over the world in which Mr. Lawson attacks and punches with bare fists Uzcategui, have created regrettable damage to our sport. The WBC rejects any form of foul play, aggressions, and behavior. We will seek a meeting with Mr. Lawson to offer several forms of help to address this grave situation.” "  -- WBC "The Association of Boxing Commissions feels it necessary to encourage all member Commissions NOT to license Mr. Leon Lawson as a cornerman, based on his punch to Jose Uzcategui. Commissions have many regulations in place directed at the safety of participants. Even though it appears Lawson was reacting to a late strike in the match, NO cornerman or trainer should be so out of control as to take a punch at anyone, and certainly not at the opposing fighter. As the President of the ABC, it seems that the action by Mr. Lawson was not only unprofessional but probably also criminal. The sport of boxing does not condone or excuse Mr. Lawson’s criminal act, and it is my personal hope the state of Maryland will take direct action against Mr. Lawson. All Commissions should refuse him license as a second/trainer anywhere in the United States. Instance like this one gives the sweet science a black eye.” "  -- Michael Mazzuli

As of now, it may be too early to tell if a rematch will occur between Dirrell and Uzcategui. Whomever Dirrell steps in the ring with next one thing we know is that Lawson will not be in his corner.  

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

By Hector Franco

Follow @MrHector_Franco !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');

Published: May 24, 2017

MGM NATIONAL HARBOR – This past weekend in Oxon Hill, Maryland fans were witness to another night of controversy within the sport of boxing. It started off with a controversial decision win for Rances Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs) over Kiryl Relikh (21-2, 19 KOs) in a fight most observers thought Relikh won. Afterward, a super middleweight bout between Andre Dirrell (26-2, 16 KOs) and Jose Uzcategui (26-2, 22 KOs) took place to determine the interim IBF champion to challenge IBF champion James Degale (23-1-1, 14 KOs). 

Unfortunately for both Dirrell and Uzcategui most of the attention was put on what happened after their fight instead of during the fight. The match between Dirrell and Uzcategui was competitive and entertaining with shifts of momentum. Uzcategui was able to hurt Dirrell in the second and third rounds with right hands. In what may have been a premonition of things to come Uzcategui landed a punch after the bell in the second round and was sternly warned by referee Bill Clancy. Dirrell to his credit was able to adjust landing carefully timed straight lefts from the southpaw stance as Uzcategui kept pressuring forward. 

The eighth round is where the fight came to an end as the Venezuelan kept the pressure on Dirrell and landed a combination on the ropes. Two of the punches of the combination landed right before the bell rang, but the last punch landed right after the bell. This punch knocked Dirrell down leaving the Flint, Michigan native unable to continue. The referee mentioned to Dirrell that he was going to disqualify Uzcategui, which may have been a mistake as Dirrell was conscious and responding back to questions.

The punch that knocked Dirrell down was part of a combination and would be difficult to pull back on when the bell rang. Clancy was not close enough to the two fighters when the bell rang and was complicit in how the fight ended.  At the time the fight was stopped Uzcategui was ahead on the judge's scorecards with scores of 77-74, 77-75, and one judge scoring the fight even at 76-76. 

After the fight emotions from the Dirrell camp were high, but Dirrell himself kept his composure and even went over to Uzcategui and embraced him in a show of sportsmanship. Dirrell’s trainer Leon Lawson decided to take a different approach. Lawson instead walked up to Uzcategui and sucker punched him with a vicious left hook that caused another melee in the ring. 

This may be the last time boxing fans see Lawson near a boxing ring for quite some time. Afterward, a warrant for the arrest of Lawson was issued, and as of this writing he has still not been arrested. The main event that night that saw Gary Russell Jr. (28-1, 17 KOs) stop Oscar Escandon (25-3, 17 KOs) in seven rounds. It was an exciting bout and excellent performance by Russell that was completely overshadowed by Lawson's actions. 

Now after all the controversy Dirrell and Uzcategui stand at a crossroads of what to do next. With the fight being so close and competitive a rematch is warranted. Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions spoke with ESPN Deportes about Lawson, having the IBF order a rematch, and changing the fight to a no-contest. 

"“It was an outrage from all sides. It was a very painful thing that made Dirrell’s team look cowardly, with a punch that was practically snuck in. We are going to legally prosecute Dirrell’s team and whoever is responsible. Dirrell was running, he was terrified of Uzcategui. The best thing would be to make the fight a no-contest. Neither a victory for one nor a victory for the other. Let the IBF order a direct rematch and fix things as things should be fixed in this sport, in the ring.”"  -- Fernando Beltran

The WBC (world boxing council) issued a statement suspending Lawson from any WBC sanctioned fight. They were not alone as The Association of Boxing Commissions also called for all commissions not to license Lawson to participate in any future boxing matches as a corner man. 

"“The actions, which have been seen all over the world in which Mr. Lawson attacks and punches with bare fists Uzcategui, have created regrettable damage to our sport. The WBC rejects any form of foul play, aggressions, and behavior. We will seek a meeting with Mr. Lawson to offer several forms of help to address this grave situation.” "  -- WBC "The Association of Boxing Commissions feels it necessary to encourage all member Commissions NOT to license Mr. Leon Lawson as a cornerman, based on his punch to Jose Uzcategui. Commissions have many regulations in place directed at the safety of participants. Even though it appears Lawson was reacting to a late strike in the match, NO cornerman or trainer should be so out of control as to take a punch at anyone, and certainly not at the opposing fighter. As the President of the ABC, it seems that the action by Mr. Lawson was not only unprofessional but probably also criminal. The sport of boxing does not condone or excuse Mr. Lawson’s criminal act, and it is my personal hope the state of Maryland will take direct action against Mr. Lawson. All Commissions should refuse him license as a second/trainer anywhere in the United States. Instance like this one gives the sweet science a black eye.” "  -- Michael Mazzulli

As of now, it may be too early to tell if a rematch will occur between Dirrell and Uzcategui. Whomever Dirrell steps in the ring with next one thing we know is that Lawson will not be in his corner.