| Just how long is this fight, anyway? In a bizarre turn of events, Peter McNeeley won a unanimous 8 round decision -- in a fight contracted for and announced as a 6-rounder! The sixth round - and presumedly the fight itself - ended and McNeeley, who had controlled the action throughout, raised his arms in anticipation of victory while Quintana seemed resigned to taking a loss. After a delay of several minutes, an announcement was made that the bout would be extended for two rounds! A heated argument ensued between the promoters and McNeeley's management. Since their fighter had clearly dominated and seemed assured of winning the decision, McNeeley's corner appeared to have more to risk by continuing; but in the end the fighters decided to settle things in the ring. This was the first McNeeley fight to actually go eight full rounds.
A final twist was yet to come, however. When McNeeley was officially declared as the winner of the bout, sparring partner Paul Poirier climbed through the ropes to congratulate him - and ended up getting into a scuffle with Quintana! Ringside observers dubbed this exchange "the ninth round." |
