A title fight was brought to a dramatic halt after a thunderstorm caused chaos inside an outdoor arena.
Jose Luis Navarro Jr and Oliver Zaren were battling for the vacant EBU super-middleweight title at the Hippodrome Zarzuela in Madrid, Spain.
Oliver Zaren and Luis Navarro Jr was ruled a No Contest due to a rain storm forcing the bout to be stopped Credit: JHM Promotions
The bout was for the vacant EBU super-middleweight title in Madrid Credit: JHM Promotions
But the contest came to a bizarre ending after just three rounds when heavy rain and lightning struck the venue.
Danish star Zaren, who entered the fight unbeaten, made a composed start and looked to control the early action with his long-range .
The 26-year-old southpaw worked behind his jab as Navarro, also 26, looked to close the distance and land heavier shots in front of his home crowd.
The Spaniard began to find more success in round three and appeared to be growing into the contest.
However, conditions quickly worsened as rain began falling into the ring.
The slippery canvas became increasingly unsafe for both fighters, forcing officials to step in.
The broadcast also suffered issues, with viewers losing the live feed before confirmation emerged that the bout would not continue.
Because the fight had not gone beyond three rounds, the clash was ruled a no contest, leaving the European belt without a new champion.
The weather got so bad the bout had to be cancelled for the fighters’ safety Credit: JHM Promotions
Fans were left stunned by the unusual scenes, with one saying: “It’s a shame what has happened.
“The Navarro and Zaren fight was getting exciting and (although there was no forecast of rain in Madrid all week) they could have tried to continue the match if it had just been rain.”
Another wrote: “Madness. The broadcast has been terrible as well.”
A third reacted: “This is the first time I’ve seen boxing in the rain.”
Zaren remains undefeated while Navarro will have to wait for another opportunity to capture European gold.
Boxing fans can expect a much bigger storm in the coming weeks, with some massive world title fights on the horizon.
Abdullah Mason is set to defend his WBO lightweight world title against , with the action broadcast live on .
Additionally, Bruce Carrington will put his WBC featherweight world title on the line against Rene Palacios.
July 25 promises to be a massive night for the sport, featuring the highly anticipated return of against .
Boxing fans will also see the return of Errol Spence Jr face off against Tim Tszyu in Australia on July 26.
The Home of Boxing in 2026
There's a massive year of boxing ahead!
It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring.
returns to the ring in July to face Kristian Prenga ahead of a potential blockbuster bout against Tyson Fury later in the year.
And Floyd Mayweather is back on the big screens to headline an 18-fight card in Greece.
June
- Sat 20 – Ryan Garner vs Michael Magnesi – DAZN
- Sat 27 – Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – DAZN
- Sat 27 – Floyd Mayweather vs Mike Zambidis
July
- Sat 25 – Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga – DAZN
*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
