In a dramatic turn of events at the Prudential Center in New Jersey, referee Ian John-Lewis found himself at the receiving end of an accidental blow during the Keyshawn Davis vs. Miguel Madueno lightweight bout on Saturday night. The incident occurred after the sixth round bell had rung, signaling the fighters to return to their corners.

Tensions had been simmering throughout the fight, with both Davis and Madueno engaging in heated exchanges that persisted even between rounds. Madueno, particularly agitated, was restrained by John-Lewis as he attempted to confront Davis. As the referee attempted to intervene between the fighters, Davis threw a punch towards Madueno, who, in a reflex action, swung back, inadvertently striking John-Lewis on the face instead.

The impact staggered John-Lewis, causing him to momentarily lose balance but remarkably staying on his feet. Visibly shaken, he exclaimed, “Who the f*** just hit me?” in an audible outburst captured by the nearby microphones. The situation briefly cast doubt on whether Madueno would face disqualification, but the officials opted to allow the fight to continue.

Despite the unfortunate incident, the match proceeded to its conclusion, with Davis ultimately winning by a unanimous decision after ten rounds. The victory maintained Davis’ unbeaten professional record, now standing at 11-0, while Madueno, despite the setback of the accidental blow to the referee, holds a record of 31 wins and 3 losses.

The incident has sparked discussions among boxing fans and officials about fighter conduct and the safety of referees in such high-stress situations. Accidental blows to referees are rare but can have significant consequences for the flow and perception of a fight. Fortunately, in this case, Ian John-Lewis recovered swiftly and managed to officiate the remainder of the match without further incident.

As the boxing community reflects on this event, it serves as a reminder of the intense emotions and split-second reactions that define the sport, both inside and outside the ring. Referees like Ian John-Lewis play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all participants, even when faced with unexpected challenges like the one witnessed at the Prudential Center.