The footage was difficult to watch, but World Boxing News chose to let the dust settle before revisiting an incident that could easily have ended far worse for former British champion Samuel Antwi.
Everybody made the story about the referee, and understandably so. However, there was another side to what unfolded in Lagos that also deserved recognition.
To even get back to his feet after the knockdown took remarkable courage.
Antwi somehow beat the count despite appearing badly hurt, only to absorb another barrage of punches before the fight was finally stopped.
Samuel Antwi vs Suleiman Jafaru
The former British super welterweight champion suffered a sixth-round stoppage defeat to Suleiman Jafaru on the ‘Chaos in the Ring‘ card at the Balmoral Convention Center in Lagos, Nigeria.
After being caught by a stiff jab, Antwi’s legs visibly buckled before Jafaru unleashed a series of punches that sent him crashing to the canvas.
Antwi somehow climbed back to his feet.
However, the video showed the Londoner on unsteady legs as referee Constance Chinagorom allowed the contest to continue.
Jafaru immediately resumed his attack, landing another ten unanswered punches before the referee finally stepped in to wave the fight off. Antwi’s corner also reacted late with the towel.
The sequence left serious questions over whether Antwi should have been allowed to continue.
Protection First
Referees are in the ring first and foremost to protect fighters.
Antwi’s bravery in forcing himself back to his feet cannot be questioned. Neither can the courage it took to continue trying to defend himself after such a punishing knockdown.
However, bravery and fighter safety are two very different things.
Once Antwi returned to his feet on unsteady legs, the referee had a responsibility to decide whether he was capable of continuing safely. Allowing another sustained barrage of punches inevitably shifted the focus onto the officiating rather than Jafaru’s impressive victory.
Thankfully, Antwi later reassured supporters that he had come through the contest safely.
“In both victory and defeat, all glory to God,” Antwi wrote.
“Lord, I thank you for the strength to step into the ring.
“Though the outcome was not what I hoped for, I trust that you have a greater plan for me.
“Thank you that both my opponent and I walked out of the ring safely.”
Those were the best words to come out of the night. The outcome could easily have been very different.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.
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