Tokyo 2020: Moroccan boxer Youness Baalla disqualified after he attempted to bite opponent's ear

Tokyo 2020: Moroccan boxer Youness Baalla disqualified after he attempted to bite opponent's ear

  • Footages from the bizarre incident showed Youness Baalla lean towards New Zealand’s David Nyika’s right ear trying to bite him
  • Fortunately for Nyika, he managed to pull out in time before his opponent could chomp down his ear
  • Nyika, who won the bout revealed he was surprised the referee missed the scene, revealing Baalla "did not get a full mouthful"

PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!

A heavyweight bout pitting Morocco's Youness Baalla and New Zealand's David Nyika was marked with bizarre scenes after the former attempted to bite the ear of his opponent.

Youness Baalla (red) of Morocco exchanges punches with David Nyika of New Zealand during the Men's Heavy (81-91kg) during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Incidentally, David Nyika has previously been bitten on the chest during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Photo by James Chance.
Source: Getty Images

It is understood the Tuesday, July 27, incident happened during a hold in round three when Baalla, who was making his Olympics debut lost his cool and tried to bite off his opponent's ear.

According to The Guardian, Nyika was fortunate enough to pull out in time before Baalla could chomp down on one of his most important body part.

Read also

Brazilian football star 'attacks' Barcelona after playing just 15 minutes for them in one year

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed!

The publication added Nyika did not face much trouble on his way to a comprehensive win as he has won the first rounds with ease.

For the better part of the fight staged at the Kokugikan Arena, Baalla had struggled to handle Nyika's pinpointed jab as he went on to lose 5-0.

The New York Post reports the intolerable action earned Baalla a disqualification, with Olympic officials ruling the Moroccan boxer had a clear intention of biting Nyika's face/ear.

Speaking of the incident, Nyika, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist said he was shocked the referee had missed the scene.

“Did you see that? I don’t think the ref saw it. She was the closest one,” he revealed.
“He didn’t get a full mouthful. Luckily he had his mouthguard in and I was a bit sweaty. I don’t remember what I said to him but I gave him a little bit of a cheek," he added.

Read also

Obi Cubana: I couldn't afford to spray more than N9k, Akin Alabi on underwhelming display of wealth at burial

Incidentally, the 25-year-old has previously been bitten on the chest during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The incident rekindled memories of the infamous Mike Tyson bout with Evander Holyfield when the former world champion bit his opponent's ear during a 1997 fight.

PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'Naija Football Fan Zone'

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Ahmed Hafnaoui is the biggest story of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics so far after he won the 400 metres freestyle swimming event at the Games, New York Post, Arab Times.

The 18-year-old had one of the worst times qualifying into the finals as he stunned other top athletes to win gold.

Hafnaoui who is relatively unknown in the winning world finished in a time of 3:43.36 and he could not believe his eyes.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Akan Anwankwo avatar

Akan Anwankwo Akan Anwankwo is a sports editor, a graduate of English Language and Literature Studies at the University of Lagos. He's passionate about what he does and finds fulfillment in informing readers.

Khadijah Thabit avatar

Khadijah Thabit (Copyeditor) Khadijah Thabit is an editor with over 3 years of experience editing and managing contents such as articles, blogs, newsletters and social leads. She has a BA in English and Literary Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Khadijah joined Legit.ng in September 2020 as a copyeditor and proofreader for the Human Interest, Current Affairs, Business, Sports and PR desks. As a grammar police, she develops her skills by reading novels and dictionaries. Email: khadeeejathabit@gmail.com