A boxing event in the Dominican Republic has turned sour as a vicious brawl broke out after a fight, with the referee turning victim of a violent attack.
The bantamweight showdown was being hosted by Shuan Boxing Promotions in Santo Domingo and was headlined by Norbelto Jimenez and Marcelino Nieves.
The referee was officiating the showdown before he was slapped in the face and a riot broke out.
The wild brawl turned chaotic quickly as multiple people from ringside entered the ring to corner and batter the referee, throwing punches and jabs as the official desperately tried to escape the violent beating.
As he was pushed right up against the ropes, one of the attackers then shoved the beaten individual out of the ring with such force that he toppled over and crashed onto the floor.
The footage was condemned online, with fans and members of the international boxing community criticising the attack.
Women's world champion Claressa Shields posted on her social media to slam the behaviour, the American undisputed heavyweight champ saying, "This is FK'N RIDICULOUS!!!!! This is sad."
The incident was not the first time an attack on a referee has happened during a Dominican Republic boxing event.
Last June, Julio De Jesus Rodriguez attacked referee Smaylin Valdez after his fight against Angel Cruz Johnson was stopped in the second round.
However, referee Valdez retaliated by returning the favour and struck back at Rodriguez before fleeing the ring.
According to sources at that time, Rodriguez was in a six-fight losing streak at the time and was suspended for life by the local commission.
