Boxing: John Laryea disqualified in WBA Featherweight title eliminator

Ghanaian boxer John Laryea was disqualified during his WBA Featherweight title eliminator against Maximilliano Robledo in Buenos Aires on Saturday night. At the start of the bout, Laryea demonstrated strong performance, keeping Robledo off balance with his movement and occasionally landing powerful punches. However, the situation changed drastically in the third round when Laryea entered the ring and was struck with a powerful right hook, causing him to fall to the ground.

In the fifth round, Laryea managed to get back on his feet, but Robledo continued to relentlessly attack, sending him to the canvas once more.

Robledo's relentless assault during rounds five and six led to Laryea repeatedly touching the canvas. His behaviour became increasingly aggressive as he resorted to low blows, which further endangered his standing in the bout. After the third knockdown, Laryea flirted with disqualification due to his series of low blows. Before the disqualification in the ninth round, Laryea faced a point deduction for committing a similar offence.

Prior to the low blows, Laryea suffered knockdowns in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds by Robledo, who was fueled by the support of the home crowd.

As the referee, Janny Guzman, witnessed another low blow inflicted on Laryea by Robledo, it became clear that there was no other option than to disqualify Laryea. With this ruling, Robledo secured a victory (14-1-0-6, WBAF3), which means he will now face the winner of Figueroa-Kameda for a chance at the title. Laryea's defeat marked his first loss in 18 fights.