A boxer at the Commonwealth Games was disqualified after turning up late to his fight, resulting in a comical walkover. Anthony Joseph, representing Trinidad and Tobago, was due to face Namibian opponent Tryagain Morning Ndevelo in the round of 32 of the men’s 60kg event. However, in an unexpected twist, the bout never took place.
That’s because Joseph inexplicably failed to show up on time, resulting in his disqualification. Ndevelo faced no such problems, completing his ring walk and entering the square circle ahead of the scheduled fight. After a quick check from the referee, he warmed up in his corner, but Joseph’s name was called out to no response.
He was nowhere to be seen, prompting widespread confusion as Ndevelo patiently waited for his opponent to arrive. Eventually, the bell rang to signal the start of the opening round, but there was still only one boxer in the ring.
Shortly afterwards, the contest was officially ended as Ndevelo removed his gloves before accepting the result in a bizarre scene, where the referee had just one fighter by his side.
The camera then panned to Joseph, who was standing around the corner, before he was escorted out of the arena. He was clearly devastated, burying his face in his gloves as he was led away.
TNT Sports reporter Lutalo Muhammad struggled to explain what had happened, saying: “A little bit of a bizarre situation. Tryagain has clearly come into the ring ready to fight and, what’s really interesting is the Trinidadian.
“We’ve seen him pop his head around the corner, but he was escorted back out of the arena. No idea what’s gone on backstage, but a bizarre circumstance indeed.
“You can see him being escorted back with his head in his hands, so perhaps he missed his call. He might have been a bit late, but he seemed ready.
“He seemed absolutely distraught to be escorted out backstage. Certainly one of the more bizarre things I’ve seen at a boxing tournament.”
TNT Sports commentator Richie Woodhall added: “There’s a time limit for the contest to actually start. He’s gone over that time limit, that’s why you heard the bell.
“He’s just too late, and so they move on. There’s a time schedule for each contest and he’s out. That’s the way it is. It’s terrible for him. His camp have got the timings wrong, he was given the time schedule, and he’s failed to make it.”
It marked Joseph’s second disappointment at the Commonwealth Games, having lost in the opening round four years ago via an agonising split decision.