Footage has emerged of a horrendous act that has shocked the boxing world, has a fighter facing a lifetime ban and possibly even stronger punishment.
To top it off, the boxer in question then shared the video and boasted about it on social media.
Undefeated MMA fighter Idris Abdurashidov was making his professional boxing debut in Phuket, Thailand on Sunday, taking on Iranian Bagher Faraji.
Russian Abdurashidov, who has a 4-0 MMA record and is accustomed to being able to use more than just his fists in a ring, was losing the fight from all accounts in the fourth round.
Instead of trying to box his way out, the 21-year-old’s response – after taking a heavy punch to the body – was to unleash an illegal head kick at his unsuspecting opponent.
The kick landed flush on the right side of Faraji’s head and he was knocked out instantly, crumpling to the floor in a sickening incident.
Abdurashidov was quickly disqualified as Faraji’s team jumped into the ring to help its stricken boxer.
Rather than expressing any remorse for his actions, Abdurashidov shared the footage on his Instagram account along with a message that has been loosely translated from the original Russian text.
“So he debuted in professional boxing,” the caption said. “And disqualification for life, that leg kick I threw (was) a machine gun!”
“Disqualification for life” is exactly what he is facing, while his ability to return to MMA must also surely be under serious scrutiny.
Abdurashidov signed with the One Chance Team group of mixed martial arts fighters in May this year, posting photos as he signed a contract that now has a huge chance of being torn up.
Fight fans on social media made their feelings clear about the disgraceful act.
“You were getting embarrassing and you had to cheat. Classless and I’m glad you’re banned for life,” was one comment on Abdurashidov’s Instagram post.
“When you’re about to lose and your weak mind doesn’t want to accept it,” wrote another.
There was also a strong reaction on X.
One wrote: “Nah that aint right, ban bro from boxing for good.”
“Any sport period,” came a reply to that comment.
“That, and I’m also pressing charges, let this tough guy feel it,” was another reply.
Another added: “He should go to jail.”
Others felt his combat career must be over and further punishment could lie ahead.
“It shows a lack of restraint. Shoot I’d even go for jail time as this is technically an assault … this is a person who can wind up killing someone in the ring,” one said.
Another fan wrote: “No commission will license him ever again and they shouldn’t.”
A third declared: “He should be arrested for assault and battery and banned from doing any combat sports ever again. That is so low.”
