Boxing Referee Faces Backlash for Ignoring Towel Throws

Referee Amy Pu, the United Kingdom's sole female professional boxing referee, is facing criticism after twice declining to stop a heavyweight bout at the O2 Arena on Saturday night, despite her opponents' team throwing in the towel. The incident occurred during the fight between Adam Olaniyan and Dan Garber.

Garber, 41, was defeated by technical knockout (TKO) in the second round by his opponent Olaniyan, 20. Footage widely shared online shows Pu kicking a towel thrown by Garber's corner out of the ring, allowing the fight to continue. Shortly after, Olaniyan delivered a series of punches that led to Garber being knocked down, ending the contest. A second towel thrown by Garber's team was also initially ignored before Pu eventually stopped the fight.

Fans expressed dismay on social media, with some questioning Pu's judgment and calling for rule changes. One widely circulated comment read: 'Ref nearly got dan garber killed. Kicking the towel out idiot.' Another user stated: 'Dan Garber receiving oxygen after referee Amy Pu inexplicably refuses the corner's towel and allows Olaniyan to pile more damage in. Rules should be changed to make the towel coming in an automatic fight ended.'

Despite the public reaction, British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) regulations stipulate that a thrown towel does not automatically end a fight, with the referee retaining the authority to make that decision. Pu, originally from Taiwan, began boxing in her 30s in London and became a professional referee in 2024. She has previously spoken about facing isolated instances of racism and sexism in the sport but noted predominantly positive reactions in her professional career.

Garber, who was seen receiving oxygen ringside after the bout, appeared unbothered by the referee's decision-making. He posted on Facebook that the fight was a significant experience and that the earnings would allow him to purchase a third house. He reflected on the possibility of retirement, stating, "Maybe this is the end now for me, time waits for no-one."