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Boxer Refuses Handshake, Sparks Backstage Brawl
21 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Neeraj Goyat won by unanimous decision against Anthony Taylor.
- Taylor offered a handshake backstage, but Goyat refused.
- The altercation escalated, with Taylor throwing a water bottle.

Indian professional boxer Neeraj Goyat achieved a decisive unanimous decision victory against American opponent Anthony Taylor during a Misfits Boxing event held in Dubai. Following the bout, tensions flared backstage as the fighters encountered each other. Despite Taylor extending a gesture of sportsmanship with a handshake, Goyat's refusal ignited a passionate argument between the two.
The disagreement rapidly escalated, drawing the attention of their teams and security personnel. In the heated exchange, an incensed Anthony Taylor was observed throwing a water bottle before being separated and removed from the scene. This backstage altercation was extensively captured on video and widely circulated across social media platforms.
Public reaction was divided, with some supporting Goyat's stance against perceived disrespect, while others defended Taylor, acknowledging the intense emotions common in post-fight scenarios. The incident added a layer of controversy to the crossover boxing event, sparking discussions about sportsmanship in combat sports.