Concern for boxer’s safety prompts referee to halt Banal-Hidalgo fight

THE decision to immediately stop the fight may have disappointed a lot of fans but for referee Danrex Tapdasan, it was the right thing to do.

“We should prioritize the fighter’s safety before we look into entertaining everyone,” Tapdasan said.

The abrupt end came when AJ Banal connected on a solid left overhand that wobbled the Mexican Raul Hidalgo in the first round.

Although Hidalgo was still on his foot, Tapdasan waived off the fight, handing Banal a knockout win.

Tapdasan said he decided to halt the bout for safety reasons.

“If I did not stop it, Hidalgo could have been badly injured. It could have resulted to a coma or even death.”

Although he wanted more action from the two boxers, boxing patron Antonio Aldeguer, founder of ALA Promotions, supported the referee’s decision.

“His (Tapdasan) decision was perfect. But if you look at it from a perspective of a fan and a promoter, it was too premature,” said Aldeguer.  /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL