“This is bizarre” – tear gas throws boxing event into chaos in Nigeria
Panic, coughing, and anger. What should have been a normal fight night turned into total chaos. Joe Laws refused to fight after tear gas filled the arena in Lagos.
Friday night’s event spiraled out of control when fans without tickets tried to force their way inside. Security stepped in and used tear gas to regain control.
That decision hit the fighters immediately.
Laws was warming up backstage when the gas spread. He felt the effects, ripped off his hand wraps, and walked out of the arena in frustration. His scheduled bout with Elvis Ahorga never happened.
Fighters inside the ring also feel the impact
The situation didn’t stay backstage. Inside the ring, Basit Adebayo and Loren Japhet were already fighting when the gas became noticeable.
Both fighters started coughing, and so did the referee. The official acted quickly and stopped the fight. Commentators immediately called for a pause, and moments later confirmed what many suspected: tear gas was in the air.
Boxing world reacts with disbelief
The footage spread rapidly on social media and triggered strong reactions. Claressa Shields responded with shock, calling the situation “bizarre.”
Fans and fighters shared the same disbelief. Some described complete chaos, while others praised the referee for stepping in quickly.
Attention shifts as other major fights approach
While the chaos in Lagos still lingers, attention is already shifting elsewhere. Rico Verhoeven is preparing for a major fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
According to insiders, the favorite is clear. He expects Usyk to win and points to the differences between the sports. Still, the anticipation around that clash continues to build.
