Fighter’s health concerns spark debate after thrilling Berinchyk vs Yigit bout

In a thrilling match that unfolded as the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk-Daniel Dubois’ main event, the lightweight bout between Anthony Yigit (27-4-1, 10 KOs) and Denys Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) took centre stage. The fight culminated in Berinchyk securing a unanimous decision victory with judges’ scores of 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113. The final round witnessed an intense exchange as both fighters courageously swung for the fences.

However, the post-fight events took an alarming turn. Yigit, who displayed remarkable resilience throughout the boxing match, found himself in a distressing situation after the fight. His injuries required immediate medical attention, but the treatment he received at the hands of K2 Promotions, the event’s organisers, raised concerns about the fighter’s well-being. Yigit took to Twitter to share his ordeal, revealing that despite needing stitches for a cut above his eyebrow, the arena lacked the necessary tools for the procedure. Furthermore, due to the non-life-threatening nature of his injuries, he was denied transportation to a hospital, leaving him with an open cut for over four hours.

A subsequent tweet featured a disconcerting image of the cut continuing to bleed through the gauze that had been applied as a temporary measure. Yigit’s frustration was evident as he posted a video detailing the entire situation, emphasising that this treatment was unacceptable for any fighter. The incident rekindled discussions about the responsibility of organisers to ensure fighters’ safety and well-being.

This ain't how you take care of the fighters. Do better. pic.twitter.com/6bDhcqI31a

— Anthony Yigit (@YigitAnthony) August 27, 2023

Following Yigit’s relentless efforts to receive appropriate care, he finally received the necessary medical attention, and he updated his supporters that he was stitched up and recovering well. Yigit expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support and humorously noted that his fights never fail to steal the show. The incident sparked outrage within the combat sports community, prompting questions about the safeguards in place for fighters who put their health and safety on the line during each match.

Shifting the focus to the fight itself, Yigit’s performance against the undefeated Berinchyk was commendable. Despite entering the ring as the underdog, Yigit showcased his skills with creative combinations and precise punches. The match lasted the full distance, and Berinchyk emerged victorious with the unanimous decision, retaining his WBO International Lightweight title and elevating his unbeaten record to 18-0. This win also positioned Berinchyk as a prime contender for the WBO lightweight title.

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Interestingly, this bout marked the second meeting between Yigit and Berinchyk, the first being during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The Ukrainian emerged victorious in their initial encounter, setting the stage for their subsequent professional rematch.

In the aftermath of this eventful night of boxing, Anthony Yigit’s courageous performance shone a light on the pressing need for improved medical support and standards within the sport, highlighting that fighters’ well-being should always be a top priority for event organisers and stakeholders.

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