Sports

Tokyo 2020: Moroccan boxer Youness Baalla disqualified after he attempted to bite opponent's ear

Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 3:38 PM by Aba Afful

Footages from the bizarre incident showed Youness Baalla lean towards New Zealand’s David Nyika’s right ear trying to bite him
Fortunately for Nyika, he managed to pull away in time before his opponent could chomp down his ear
Nyika, who won the bout revealed he was surprised the referee missed the scene, revealing Baalla "did not get a full mouthful"

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A heavyweight bout pitting Morocco's Youness Baalla and New Zealand's David Nyika was marked with bizarre scenes after the former attempted to bite the ear of his opponent.

YEN.com.gh understands the incident happened during a hold in round three when Baalla, who was making his Olympics debut lost his cool and tried to bite off his opponent's ear on Tuesday, July 27.

According to The Guardian, Nyika was fortunate enough to pull away in time before Baalla could chomp down on one of his most important body part.

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Youness Baalla (red) of Morocco exchanges punches with David Nyika of New Zealand during the Men's Heavy (81-91kg) during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Photo by James Chance/Getty Images) — Incidentally, David Nyika has previously been bitten on the chest during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Photo by James Chance.
Source: Getty Images

The publication added Nyika did not face much trouble on his way to a comprehensive win as he has won the first rounds with ease.

For the better part of the fight staged at the Kokugikan Arena, Baalla had struggled to handle Nyika's pinpointed jab as he went on to lose 5-0.

The New York Post reports the intolerable action earned Baalla a disqualification, with Olympic officials ruling the Moroccan boxer had a clear intention of biting Nyika's face/ear.

Speaking of the incident, Nyika, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist said he was shocked the referee had missed the scene.

“Did you see that? I don’t think the ref saw it. She was the closest one,” he revealed.

“He didn’t get a full mouthful. Luckily he had his mouthguard in and I was a bit sweaty. I don’t remember what I said to him but I gave him a little bit of a cheek," he added.

Hidilyn Diaz wins first-ever gold medal for Philippines

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the people of Philippines were on Monday night, July 26, thrown into serious jubilation after super weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz helped her country to win their first gold in the Olympics.

It was an incredible moment for the 30-year-old Diaz who went through serious training in her quest to help Philippines and was unable to see her family members for two years.

Before the 2020 Olympics kicked off in Tokyo, Hidilyn Diaz was training in Malaysia and had the dream to win gold medal which finally came her way in stunning style.