IBF to review Andre Dirrell-Jose Uzcategui fight ending, possible rematch

The highly  controversial and violent ending to the Andre Dirrell vs. Jose Uzcategui interim IBF super middleweight title fight on May 20 will be addressed by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) on Tuesday. The sanctioning organization will decide whether there should be an immediate rematch, and whether disciplinary action will be taken against Leon Lawson Jr., Dirrell's uncle and trainer.

Lawson nearly caused a riot at the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino in Oxon hill, Md., after his fighter was knocked out by Uzcategui at the end of the eighth round, with the last of a three-punch combination coming after the bell. Referee Bill Clancy ruled that because he had previously warned Uzcategui for late punches, he declared Dirrell the winner by disqualification.

As Clancy and members of the Maryland State Athletic Commission were sorting things out in the ring, Lawson charged across the ring and punched Uzcategui in the face with a hard left hook, followed by a right that glanced off the fighter's shoulder.

Sean Gibbons, Uzcategui's adviser, filed charges with the Prince George's County police department, for first- and second-degree assault against Lawson Jr., The Flint, Mich, resident still has not turned himself in.

Here's the statement the IBF released on Saturday:

On Thursday, May 25 the IBF received a written request from Jose Uzcategui’s advisor Sean Gibbons and his promotor Zanfer Promotions asking for a review of the Uzcategui vs. Dirrell bout that took place on May 20, at the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino in Baltimore, MD. Uzcategui’s camp claims that Referee Bill Clancy made an erroneous call when ruling that their fighter deliberately punched Andre Dirrell after the bell. They have requested that the IBF review the fight and order an immediate rematch. The IBF will consider the rematch on this coming Tuesday, May 30. At that time the organization will also confer on disciplinary action against Leon Lawson for punching Jose Uzcategui in the ring on that night. A fighter’s safety in the ring is of great importance to the IBF and Lawson’s action will be addressed by the organization.