Fight Fans Lash Out at ‘Disrespectful’ Darragh Foley Opponent
Boxing followers were not happy with how Darragh Foley’s opponent Hunter Ioane behaved post his defeat to the Dubliner this week.
The Samoan ditched post-fight protocol after being defeated by ‘Super’ in Sydney on Wednesday – and looked to resume hostilities even after the doctor and referee decided the cut he suffered in round four had become too dangerous to allow him to continue.
Then after being held back from Foley and his team he decided to storm out of the ring delivering a circus on a night he promised fireworks and entertainment of a different kind.
This all came after he had tested the patience of a straight-talking referee throughout the fight, particularly when hitting Foley after the bell.
His in and post-fight antics upset fans watching the Fox broadcast No Limit card and his decision not to stick around and congratulate Foley, in particular, saw Ioane come under social media fire.
Veteran journalist Buzz Rothfield demanded that he never be put on a show again while fans also expressed their disapproval.
“Disgraceful sportsmanship from Ioane at the boxing. Should not be invited back,’ Rothfield tweeted.
Tensions boiled over after Darragh Foley and Hunter Ioane’s INSANE 5 round war!
— MAIN EVENT (@MainEventTV) July 20, 2022
Watch #TszyuHorn LIVE on Fox Sports CH 503 or stream on Kayosports: https://t.co/9pWsiKwx8T pic.twitter.com/3IxnqOA4xI
Hunter Ioane, he a bad mf 🔥🔥🔥 lol
— afinau (@afinau_) July 20, 2022
Utterly pathetic stuff from Hunter Ioane 🥱#TszyuHorn #Boxing
— Jared Timms (@JaredTimms) July 20, 2022
Hunter Ioane a strong nomination for Flog Of The Year #TszyuHorn
— Sean O’Sullivan (@SPiercePatrick) July 20, 2022
Hunter Ioane no class, so many shots after the ref’s call and the bell. #TszyuHorn
— Thomas (@thomaslufc92) July 20, 2022
Hunter Ioane is a proper grub. How many punches after the break call and bell? Shit boxing from him. #TszyuHorn
— Russ (@LachlanBarr8) July 20, 2022
The Irish fight fraternity were not as vocal when it came to Ioane’s behaviour, looking through green-tinted glasses they rejoiced in seeing Foley back in the ring.
They were also happy to see him box so well, show real power throughout the fight, and display an impressive level of sharpness, all while being made to work at a pace that can only help moving forward.
