One-Time Anthony Joshua Opponent Turned Bare-Knuckle Boxer Earns Torn Ear in Latest Bout

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A bare-knuckle boxing bout ended in a memorable fashion on Saturday night when a boxer’s ear ripped open. The incident occurred during a bridgerweight contest between former professional boxer Dorian Darch and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Skurtu at the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff on the main card of BYB 30.

Darch, who had a (12-12-1) stint in the paid ranks, got off to a great start as he knocked down Skurtu with a powerful right hand inside the opening 30 seconds. However, when Skurtu regained his footing, he landed a blow to Darch’s left ear that split it in half. Darch continued to march forward, unfazed, as blood poured down his chest, but upon noticing the extent of the injury, referee Wayne Spinola called a halt to the proceedings to allow the doctors to inspect the wound.

When the doctors examined the injury, the action was immediately waved off, as Darch’s ear appeared to have been hacked apart. Overcome with frustration, Darch let out a blood-curdling roar, while Skurtu leapt up onto the ropes in celebration.

This is not the first time Darch’s night has ended prematurely in bare-knuckle boxing. The Welshman has competed four times (1-3) in the harsh sport, with all three of his losses coming via doctor’s stoppage. He won his debut in March 2021 by knocking out Mason Shaw inside two rounds, but was then elevated into a heavyweight world title against Jody Meikle 10 months later, a bout that was stopped in the fourth round due to a deep gash under his left eye.

Darch, who is known for having “skin like tracing paper,” will be left questioning his future in the sport at the age of 40. However, he can look back at his career with pride, having shared the ring with a who’s who of great heavyweights, including Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, among others.

 

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