Controversy rocks blockbuster as boxing ‘monster’ batters rival to a pulp

Errol Spence Jr proved he’s one of the most terrifying fighters in boxing as he battered his rival to a pulp in their blockbuster title fight.

This was a wild fight.

Errol Spence Jr defeated Yordenis Ugas in Sunday’s barnstorming welterweight world title unification fight as he showed off his supreme power and killer instinct by pummelling the veteran to a pulp.

Spence put his World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation titles on the line in the fight at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, while Ugas failed to defend his World Boxing Association belt.

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Both fighters threw everything at each other in a wild bout that captivated the boxing world as Spence walked away with the win courtesy of a 10th round TKO.

Spence dominated the first half of the 12-round blockbuster before a controversial moment in the sixth round sparked plenty of debate.

Ugas rocked Spence with a right hand, then seconds later the Texan appeared to lose his way. His Cuban opponent followed up with a clean one-two and Spence went tumbling into the ropes.

Spence was suddenly on the back foot for the first time in the fight but it wasn’t long before the ref stopped the action to allow the hometown hero to get his mouthpiece, which had been knocked out during the earlier barrage.

Some on social media thought the official allowed Spence to get out of jail by giving him a breather just as Ugas looked to gain the ascendancy.

Others thought the reason Spence was knocked around in the first place was because he knew his mouthpiece was gone and he stopped momentarily, perhaps thinking the referee would pause proceedings earlier than he did, only to cop some brutal hits.

Spence’s mouthguard came flying out.

Laurence Cole was too busy enjoying the fight rather than actually refereeing. #SpenceUgas

— Joe Lago (@joelago) April 17, 2022

Rough call from referee Laurence Cole with the mouthpiece. It gave Spence some extra recovery time. #SpenceUgas

— Brian Campbell (@BCampbell) April 17, 2022

Ref made this interesting, as Ugas was on a roll before the mouthpiece came into play. #SpenceUgas#Boxing

— Daniel Yanofsky (@DanYanofsky) April 17, 2022

Wowww did the ref just do that?! #SpenceUgas

— Michelle Joy Phelps (@MichellePhelps) April 17, 2022

While Ugas enjoyed a brief moment of superiority, it wasn’t long before normal service resumed. Spence was equal parts active and powerful, throwing punches at will as he battered his rival into oblivion.

By the 10th round Ugas’ right eye was almost entirely shut and he couldn’t go on any longer as the fight was brought to an end.

One Main Event commentator said Spence showed he is “one of the best boxers on planet earth” as fight fans raved about the ruthless American.

Australian boxing commentator Ben Damon tweeted: “#SpenceUgas was utter brutality! @ErrolSpenceJr is a monster.”

Errol Spence Jr. is an absolute destroyer #SpenceUgas

— Morning Kombat (@morningkombat) April 17, 2022

#SpenceUgas was epic! Ugas has heart, Spence is a killer tho. Shout out to #BigTuck ⚡️

— Headkrack (@headkrack) April 17, 2022

Spence is the best welterweight in the world. I prefer Crawford, but I think the evidence speaks for itself after tonight. That was a HOF calibre performance from the Texan. #boxing#SpenceUgas

— MacIntosh Ross (@punchingprof) April 17, 2022

It didn’t take long for Spence to spruik the next fight he — and everyone else in boxing — is craving.

“Everybody knows who I want next, I want Terence Crawford next,” he said.

“That’s the fight that I want, that’s the fight everybody else wants. Terence, I’m coming for that motherf***ing belt.”

BRING IT ON!! The division is cleaned out but two are still standing. This fight will mark the end of this outstanding welterweight era. https://t.co/SGJtzisGn3

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) April 17, 2022

Originally published as Controversy rocks blockbuster as boxing ‘monster’ batters rival to a pulp