Boxing is no longer one of the most popular Olympic sports on television, but it remains a favorite among boxing enthusiasts who get to see some of the sport’s future stars as well as journeymen compete for international fame. It also lacks the spectacle of professional boxing, when fighters show considerable respect for one another before and after matches.
That is why, when shenanigans occur on the Olympic stage, they are even more spectacular, as seen by the significant controversy that erupted late Monday in the heavyweight battle between Youness Baalla of Morocco and David Nyika of New Zealand. Nyika was on his way to a dominant victory when Baalla attempted to bite him in the final round, evoking memories of the Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield battle.
Fortunately, Baalla was unable to extract a bit from Nyika, but it was a startling moment that left Nyika stunned — especially since Baalla received no punishment from the referee in the ring.
“It didn’t think he would get away with it. He tried to bite my cheek bone but luckily it was a little bit slippery. He probably got a mouthful of sweat – he also had his mouthguard in so no broken skin,” Nyika told Sky Sport, via RNZ.
It’s reasonable to assume that if Baalla’s chomp is reviewed, he’ll face some sanctions, because it’s one of the most shocking acts in sports when someone tries to bite an opponent. Nyika will advance to the next round, and maybe it will be the last time someone tries to take a piece of his ear or cheek.
