An eruption of violence at the Barnsley Metrodome's professional boxing show last night has left one man on a life support machine. Several others suffered head injuries as a result of missiles being thrown from visiting supporters of Leeds boxer Damon Jones.
The violence began three rounds into Jones' fight with Simone Lucas from Burundi. Initially cans and pints of beer were thrown but this soon escalated into the launching of fold-up chairs from those in the stands. A retaliation came from those on ground level and this only intensified the situation. The show had to be abandoned with most supporters actively seeking cover away from the altercations.
There was little security could do to stop the violence and pleas from both the boxer and Master Of Ceremonies were totally ignored. The main event featuring Stairfoot fighter Matthew Mallin was scheduled to take place after but it was also abandoned. A scheduled unlicensed boxing show at the Metrodome tonight has been moved to Birdwell WMC whilst the gym and bowling alley were out of bounds while lunchtime.
The violence was caught on camera and is in the hands of South Yorkshire Police.
