By Ben Jacobs
On Monday, it was reported by BoxingScene.com that the International Boxing Federation [IBF] ordered a rematch between Jose Uzcategui and Andre Dirrell.
On May 20, Uzcategui was disqualified by referee Bill Clancy for landing a knockout punch after the bell on Dirrell, a contest that took place for the interim IBF world title at super middleweight.
Nevertheless, in a letter issued on Sunday, the IBF, having reviewed the tape, determined that the blow landed was unintentionally thrown after the bell. The remaining issue from the night are the legal proceedings which will take place against Dirrell’s uncle, Leon Lawson Jr, who in the post-fight mêlée struck Uzcátegui in the face in full view of the television cameras.
Uzcátegui’s agent, Sean Gibbons, provided BoxingScene.com with an update.
“We go to court on August 16, he (Lawson) will be tried that day.” Gibbons explained. “With something like this, it was a horrible thing, he should be made an example of, but the court system is about making deals so whatever he gets, even if he doesn’t do any time, he’ll get a lengthy probation. He’ll never be in the corner for a world title fight with any organisation again.”
As far as the officiating on the night is concerned, Gibbons expressed his disappointment at how the ending of the bout and indeed the post-fight situation was managed.
“I think Bill Clancy lost complete control of the situation, instead of stopping it he just let everybody pile in to the ring," Gibbons said.
“Tempers are hot and this guy (Lawson) just strolls across and whacks our guy. This was like the Richard Grant incident (who was knocked out post-fight by James Butler). The worst ever was Billy Collins.
“This was a horrible thing, he could have permanently injured him. Uzcátegui was kind of relaxed, he didn’t really see the punch which is worse and, he took a heavyweight shot. James DeGale is out for a while with an injury so it makes sense that the IBF would order a rematch.
“I don’t hold anything against Andre,” Sean continued. “He’s a nice guy but his brother Anthony is a wack job, he caused a lot of trouble. Uzcátegui was on his way to a decision or stoppage. He’s too young and too fresh. That Dirrell there is half shot, his reflexes aren’t quite what they were.”