An Australian boxer's trainer denied his fighter took a dive as his opponent labeled him "a dog" following a sensational title bout in the Western Australian city of Perth Wednesday, The (Sydney) Daily Telegraph reported.
After less than 30 seconds of the IBO world cruiserweight clash between Danny Green and fellow Australian Paul Briggs, the latter hit the canvas after receiving what appeared to be a glancing blow.
His trainer said the fighter quite literally had no idea what had hit him. However, his opponent, who was also a promoter of the bout, slammed his opponent and warned he wouldn't be paid a cent.
"He says he has no idea what happened," trainer Billy Hussein said as Briggs, still in his fight gear, was ushered into the front seat of a sporty, yellow Subaru car.
"We're taking him straight to hospital. He doesn't know what hit him. Doesn't know what happened."
Police were on hand to help Briggs exit Challenge Stadium as fruit, water bottles and full beer cups rained down on him.
"Paul Briggs isn't getting paid a cent," Green told the crowd.
"He dogged it. My chihuahua Rocky has got bigger balls than him."
One Australian betting firm admitted there had been heavy interest in a first round defeat.
About 1 p.m. Wednesday TAB Sportsbet shut down the betting on which round Briggs would go down in.
"The money just kept coming for the first," TAB Sportsbet spokesman Glenn Munsie.
