Tate Retains His Title, but Fans Fight Main Event
Violence erupted before Sunday’s International Boxing Federation middleweight championship fight between American Frank Tate and Briton Tony Sibson when fans trying to get into the arena let off CS gas canisters.
Tate (22-0) retained his title and sent Sibson (55-7-1) into retirement with a smashing right hand that knocked out the Briton near the end of round 10 of a scheduled 12-rounder.
Sibson announced his retirement after the fight.
Before the fight, seats were kicked over as security men engaged in running battles with gate crashers, some of whom let off gas canisters they smuggled into the arena.
Ringside personalities, including former British and European heavyweight champion Henry Cooper and British Sports Minister Colin Moynihan, were in discomfort from the gas.
Police moved in and arrested some of the fans while many others were ejected.
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