A boxing referee is being praised for producing one of the best stoppages ever on Saturday night.
Terri Harper was defending her WBC super-featherweight title against Alycia Baumgardner in Sheffield on the Kid Galahad vs Kiko Martinez undercard.
But the Yorkshire boxer lost her world title due to a fourth round stoppage following a brutal right hand from Baumgardner.
The strike was so vicious that it didn't cause Harper to fall to the canvas; instead she completely froze in some frightening scenes.
Advert
Still standing even though she was clearly not all there, Harper had her back to Baumgardner, who approached her and looked to land one more crushing blow.
But before she could, official Mark Lyson rushed in to get between both fighters and prevent Harper from suffering further punishment.
He brought an end to proceedings, with the stoppage seeing Baumgardner becoming world champion.
Advert
But it was an excellent piece of refereeing from Lyson, who saved Harper and had the boxing community commending his actions.
Yes!!! Having great referees is so damned important for safety and health of fighters..too bad/disgraceful that some sports PERMIT/ALLOW injured (even out cold) fighters to be bludgeoned while concussed! Kudos to Mark Lyson for his quick action!
Nice to see many share this take. This moment could have gone so much worse. Credit to referee Mark Lyson for what was essentially a perfect stoppage.
Shoutout to the referee who did a great job stoping the fight π pic.twitter.com/9BxQrU86qG
World class officiating from Mark Lyson, he might of just saved Harper from brain damage.
Harper, who was undefeated up until this point, said she is feeling "fine" but "just heartbroken" as she thanked fans for their support.
Brilliant refereeing from Mark Lyson
Shoutout to the referee who did a great job stoping the fight π
Mark Lyson with some of the best refereeing you'll ever see
Outstanding bit of refereeing by Mark Lyson, as good as you'll see #HarperBaumgardner #GalahadMartinez
That was one of the best, most well-timed stoppages you'll see from Mark Lyson there. #HarperBaumgardner
Advert
Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew made a point of complimenting Lyson's "brilliant call".
βThe most important thing Iβd like to recognise is the great job Mark Lyson done there,β Bellew said on DAZN's coverage.
βBecause Terri Harper is asleep on her feet.
"And the second punch that Mark Lyson stops [from] landing clean, that couldβve really done damage to Terri Harper there.
Advert
βMark Lyson deservesΒ all the credit in the world. It was a brilliant, brilliant call.β
Featured Image Credit: Image: DAZNTopics:Β Boxing