Shocking moment US boxer Andre Dirrell's uncle punches his nephew's opponent Jose Uzcategui after their fight
Andre Dirrell's opponent Jose Uzcategui is seen after his defeat in their fight on Saturday
Super-middleweight world champion Andre Dirrell's uncle launched into a frenzy of punches on opponent Jose Uzcategui after his nephew's win by disqualification on Saturday night.
In chaotic scenes at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland, trainer Leon Lawson entered the ring to attack a stunned Uzcategui following the fight for the interim IBF belt.The Venezuelan was hit with a left hook by Lawson, who followed up with his right hand having stormed his corner to spark a brawl.
Uzcategui's adviser Sean Gibbons told reporters that he would file charges for assault after the incident.
Uzcategui was taken to the trauma center at MedSTAR Washington Hospital in Washington DC for evaluation, according to ESPN. He was released a few hours later.
Local police are seeking Lawson for questioning on counts of first and second-degree assault.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND-DEGREE ASSAULT?
First-degree assault takes place when someone causes or attempts to cause 'serious physical injury' to another. In Maryland, first degree assault is a felony that carries a maximum sentence of up to 25 years.
Second-degree assault is less severe, and is considered a misdemeanour rather than a felony.
It is considered to have taken place when someone causes or attempts to cause 'offensive physical contact' to another. It carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and a fine of $2,500.
First-degree assault comes with a maximum possible prison sentence of 25 years.
'I'm sorry for what my coach has done,' Dirrell said. 'My coach is my family, my uncle, and he was worried. He cares for me. He loves me. Please forgive him.
'I'm going to stand up like a man. I didn't win like I wanted to, but I'll be back. I'm going to come back as soon as they let me.'
Dirrell won Saturday night's fight after Uzcategui was twice adjudged to have hit him after the bell.
He went down face first and was ruled unable to continue, with his Venezuelan opponent disqualified.
'I felt very good. I was hurting him the entire fight. I felt like I could hurt him anytime I wanted. Nothing he hit me with hurt me,' Uzcategui said.
Following the fight, Uzcategui was hit in the face by Leon Lawson, his opponent's uncle
Lawson threw a left hand into the face of the fighter before landing a flurry of blows
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