Boxing bout halted in Nigeria after tear gas let off in arena at Amir Khan event

A boxing bout in Nigeria descended into chaos after tear gas was let off in the arena on Friday night.

Local boxers Basit Adebayo and Loren Japhet were halfway through their eight-round super lightweight bout at Lagos’ Balmoral Convention Center Federal Palace Hotel, when the referee began coughing profusely.

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The third man in the ring halted the action upon realising what was happening and sent both pugilists to their respective corners.

As the boxers made their way over to their teams, they too began wheezing and spluttering.

Towels were handed around to cover their faces as the gas continued to seep into the ring.

“It does look like we’re going to have to take a break for people to get themselves back,” said one commentator.

“We’ve had confirmation that, apparently, there is some tear gas in the air.”

According to The Sun, security had let off the tear gas to control and usher out unticketed fans.

The action was eventually resumed after the fans in question were removed from the arena, with Adebayo going on to claim victory.

British boxer Joe Laws was supposed to make his ringwalk shortly after for a grudge match with Elvis Ahorga.

However, the 15-4 pro took off his wraps and walked out of the arena after being caught up in the tear gas.

The event, which was promoted by former super lightweight world champion Amir Khan, featured a mixture of professional and celebrity boxing bouts.

Former British super welterweight champion Samuel Antwi scored a brutal first-round knockout win over Congo’s Paul Kamanga.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth’s Michael McKinson outpointed Afikun Segun Gbenga.

In the main event, internet personality Efe claimed a unanimous decision victory over Portable to settle their long-running feud.

All of the action was streamed on DAZN.

And you can watch back the event via the link below.

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