Engleski boksač Stephen Smith pretrpio je jednu od najstravičnijih ozljeda u borilačkom sportu, u meču protiv Francisca Vargasa. Smith je tijekom 9. runde zaradio ozljedu uha zbog koje su suci morali prekinuti meč.
Uho 32-godišnjeg boksača iz Liverpoola doslovno je visilo s njegove glave nakon što je puknulo napola. Krv je prskala na sve strane, što je bio i jedan od razloga zbog kojeg Smith nije smio nastaviti dvoboj, iako je to jako želio. Drugi je razlog bio taj što je scena bila doslovno horor za gledanje.
Bivši prvak u dvije težinske kategorije Andre Ward izjavio je da nikada u karijeri nije vidio ništa slično. Smith je za svoju želju da nastavi meč dobio jako puno pohvala na društvenim mrežama.
One of nicest guys u could ever meet but up there with the toughest. Wanted to carry one with his ear literally hanging off. Very proud #TeamSmithBros pic.twitter.com/NWwCGYE6Ym
— anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) December 10, 2017
So much to reflect on from the boxing last night, but Stephen Smith wanting to fight on while his ear was literally falling off was extraordinary
— George Gigney (@ggigney) December 10, 2017
Two injuries tonight. Stephen Smith wanted to continue against Vargas with his ear ripped in half, while Rigondeaux quit because he hurt his hand. Different levels. #Boxing
— Sheldan Keay (@SheldanKeay) December 10, 2017
Not that it was ever in doubt but Stephen Smith is one brave man wanting to continue with that ear injury. Deserves a bit of luck in big fights
— Chris McKenna (@cmckennasport) December 10, 2017
Rigondeaux quit because his hand hurt.
— Rob Harvey (@robharvey5) December 10, 2017
Stephen Smith didn’t quit when his ear got ripped off.
Facts
Thanks very much for all your supportive messages last night, read them all and they mean a lot. Went to hospital and got my ear stitched back up so hopefully all will heal well. Thanks again for all the love and support. Have a good Christmas everyone x pic.twitter.com/cOun7ST7qX
— Stephen Smith (@SwiftySmith) December 10, 2017