Fans were left stunned when a heavyweight fighter accidentally struck the referee during a dramatic conclusion to a title eliminator bout. Franklin Ignatius inadvertently landed a punch on official Victor Loughlin’s jaw just as the referee stepped in to stop the fight in favor of Jeamie TKV. The incident occurred at the Copper Box Arena and capped off an already controversial match, with some spectators questioning whether the bout should have been stopped at all.
The match ended in the sixth round when TKV, 30, was awarded a technical knockout after dominating Ignatius on the ropes. Loughlin intervened to halt the fight as TKV landed powerful punches, but Ignatius, throwing a wild swing, struck the referee instead. Remarkably, Loughlin, an experienced referee since 2002, showed resilience, barely reacting to the unexpected blow. He calmly signaled the end of the match while explaining his decision to the fighters.
Jeamie TKV’s victory marked his seventh win in eight fights, solidifying his position as a promising contender. Ignatius, 29, suffered his first career loss in the same number of contests. The crowd’s reaction was mixed, with some praising TKV’s performance and others questioning the referee’s timing. Fans joked about Loughlin’s toughness, with one remarking, “Refs got a chin on him,” while others speculated about a possible concussion.
Criticism of Ignatius’ performance was widespread, with many pointing out his struggles to maintain momentum throughout the fight. Observers highlighted TKV’s strategy of closing the distance and delivering effective punches, particularly left hooks, which dominated the later rounds. Ignatius also faced setbacks in the fifth round, including a cut and a point deduction following a clash of heads.
The victory positions TKV for a shot at the English heavyweight title, a significant milestone in his career. Fans lauded his skill and determination, with some calling the win “impressive” and a “big shock.” Meanwhile, the controversial stoppage and Ignatius’ lackluster showing remained hot topics of discussion, ensuring the fight would be remembered for both its dramatic finish and the unexpected blow to the referee.
