A large brawl erupted among spectators at the AO Arena in Manchester during the undercard of the Joshua Buatsi vs Willy Hutchinson rematch, prompting security staff to intervene. The disturbance occurred during Jack Rafferty's bout against Hovhannes Martirosyan, with footage on social media showing fans exchanging punches as venue staff moved in to separate them.
Disorder in the stands
As the action inside the ring heated up, unruly spectators began trading blows in the stands, with several onlookers momentarily knocked to the ground in the chaos. A large number of venue staff eventually piled in to quell the disorder, leaving the affected section of the arena with spilt drinks and overturned chairs scattered across the floor.
The eagerly awaited rematch between Buatsi and Hutchinson took place on Saturday night, following their first encounter in September 2024 for the vacant WBO Interim Light-Heavyweight World Championship. Buatsi claimed victory via split decision in their initial meeting, with the vacant WBC Light-Heavyweight World Championship on the line this time around.
Rafferty wins despite disruption
Rafferty's contest continued uninterrupted, with the fighter going on to claim a unanimous decision victory over Martirosyan. The latter was deemed to have been knocked down in the 12th round after he tumbled through the ropes.
Rafferty said following the contest: "These fans got me through tonight. He was fit and strong and healthy. I watched all of his fights and he is tough. I appreciate him and everyone who steps into the ring."
Brutal undercard bouts
The preliminary bouts had proceeded smoothly before the disturbance amongst spectators. Gully Powar defeated Zak Miller while Brad Rea halted Ezra Taylor. Miller's contest was especially brutal, with the referee calling a halt in the 10th round due to severe facial swelling sustained by Miller.
DAZN broadcasters Ade Oladipo and Carl Frampton were visibly shocked by the damage. Frampton remarked: "That is the worst I've ever seen. That was shocking. You have to feel for the kid. He was in a lot of pain." Ringside doctors took one glance at Miller's deformed head before calling the fight off.
Oladipo continued: "I've seen some hematomas in the sport, but that is one of the worst I've ever seen." As the bout-stopping damage resulted from an unintentional head collision, the evenly matched encounter was decided by the judges. Miller endured a twin setback, dropping a unanimous verdict (96-95, 97-95, 96-94) as Powar captured the British featherweight crown.
