It's not uncommon for people involved in the sport of boxing to suffer major injuries and casualties. However, the sport took a fatal turn when at least 17 people were killed after a riot broke out during a boxing match in Indonesia. Supporters of the boxing match's winner taunted the loser's supporters, ensuing rounds of fights outside the ring. Chairs flew and fists landed on faces. The riot created a stampede which trampled many unsuspecting audience.
No charges have been filed to the 13 people held by police. Nabire Amateur Boxing Association chairman Hendrik Andoi said that the match was the finale of a week long regional boxing tournament.
Some people blamed the overselling of tickets. The boxing arena can only hold 1,000 spectators, but a total of 1,500 tickets were sold, he said.
Amateur boxing is the starting point of most professional boxers in Southeast Asia. The sport is a multimillion dollar industry. High profile boxing matches draw in investors from several industries, such as hotels, airline carriers, advertisers, men's products, and performance pharmaceuticals.
Join the Conversation