Strange incidents have dogged boxing throughout its history. A fan parachuting into the Riddick Bowe vs. Evander Holyfield fight, Mike Tyson biting Holyfield, the list goes on. But there is always room for new entrants.
Kingsley Ibe punching out Jarrell Miller’s hairpiece at Madison Square Garden last Saturday will go down as one of the strangest moments in sports.
Miller won by split decision, but his place in singular boxing history was sealed when his toupee came off and bounced back under a barrage of punches from Ibe.
During the break between rounds, Miller tore off the remaining ball and threw it into the crowd.
Ibe told Sky Sports: “I couldn’t stay focused when I saw it. It was on the top of his head and I could feel the glue.”
“I felt it in my chest and I felt it in my gloves,” he laughed. “His hair fell out and I was surprised too! It was a shock.”
He disagreed with the scoring of the match, believing that the decision was deserved.
But Ibe added, “Winning or losing doesn’t really matter to me, it’s about continuous growth and improvement. And exposing all the ‘undercover brothers’! I think he’s been doing it for a while, but this is the first time he’s been exposed.”
Ibe punches Miller’s hairpiece away (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)
Ibe is still looking for a big opportunity in the sport. He would welcome a fight in the UK and says Fabio Wardley is his ultimate target.
“He’s someone I really want to fight,” Ibe said of the WBO heavyweight world champion. “It could be Joe Joyce, it could be anyone. One thing I will say is that I never turn down a fight.
“Anyone who wants it can come and get it for any game, or I’ll bring it to your door.Personally, I want the best of the best.
“I haven’t been to England yet, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
