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Controversy reigned in Cleveland as Montana Love was disqualified after Steve Spark was tossed over the ropes in a clinch in the sixth round – Spark picking up the WBA Intercontinental super lightweight title in the process.
The fight was building into a cracker through six rounds, with drama in the second round as a Spark attack stunned Love who was put onto the canvas hard by the Aussie, with a right hand being the final punch of a damaging flurry. Love recovered quickly but the crowd were on tenterhooks as Spark knew that he could hurt the hometown star.
Love still had his legs and was looking to counter, as an emboldened Spark stalked Love who was looking to set traps and noticeably began investing in body work. Spark once again launched a ferocious attack in the fifth round, but Love was able to withstand the heavy-handed man from Down Under and firec back.
In the sixth, there was an accidental head clash that led to a cut above the left eye of Love.
And after a lengthy check from the doctor the fight resumed, and the pair almost immediately got tangled in a clinch with Love pushing Spark all the way to the ropes. As the referee was attempting to break them, Spark was sent over the ropes by Love. The Australian could have been seriously injured, but he managed to land on his feet when falling to the floor.
Eddie Hearn, who promotes Love, disagreed with the referee’s decision and has interest in doing a rematch.
“It was a bad decision,” said Hearn. “Montana was rough but he didn’t intentionally throw him out of the ring, and Steve got back into the ring and wanted to keep fighting. Referees have a tough job but that was a poor decision and one made too quickly.
“It was turning into a great fight, the commission will review, I would love to do it again.”