'What is the ref doing?!' - Commentator left disgusted by referee's actions during boxing match

Boxing fans and media alike were left horrified by the referee's actions during a fight in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Chaos in the Ring card, which was broadcast by DAZN, featured seven boxing bouts, including a fight between former British super lightweight champion Samuel Antwi and Nigeria's Suleiman Jafaru.

Towards the end of the sixth of eight allotted rounds, Jafaru - in the black trunks - managed to pin his opponent on the ropes before landing a heavy left hook to the side of his head.

Antwi collapsed to the canvas and Jafaru celebrated, thinking he had won the fight by knockout.

Although Antwi initially lay motionless on the ground, he managed to get to his feet despite being clearly disorientated and struggling to stand.

After checking him over, however, the referee decided to allow the fight to continue.

As soon as the fight continued, Antwi was pinned up against the ropes for a second time as Antwi continued to land punches towards his head - with the match commentator pleading for the referee to call a halt to proceedings.

"I can't believe this. No, no... ref, ref, ref!" he shouted. "What is the ref doing? Referee!"

The official did eventually step in to wave the fight off, but fans in the comments section were left furious that she didn't do so earlier - while also blaming Antwi's corner for not throwing the towel in to prevent further damage.

"The ref is completely in the wrong but so is his corner," one wrote. "You see your fighter completely out of it, throw in the god damn towel."

Another said: "This is absolutely vile. Take the licence away."

A third stated: "Referee is a disgrace. Should have called the fight after the first bad knockdown. Life-threatening. Needs banning."

While a fourth added: "That's genuinely disgusting refereeing. Shouldn't be close to a ring again."

Antwi releases statement after KO defeat

In a statement posted to his Instagram page after his defeat, Antwi thanked his supporters for their well-wishes and said both he and his opponent 'walked out of the ring safely'.

"In both victory and defeat God disappointment the glory!" he wrote.

"Lord, I thank You for the strength to step into the ring. Though the outcome was not what I hoped for, I trust that You have a greater plan for me. Calm my heart, ease my disappointment, and help me see the lessons hidden in this moment.

"YAWH thank you that both my opponent and I walked out of the ring safely.

"May I walk forward with dignity, knowing my worth is not defined by a single fight.

"Thank you to everyone that checked in or sent their well wishes. Appreciate you all!"