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| Foto:Yusuf Azmi and Yunus |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,Malaysia – The highly anticipated bout between rising fighters Yusuf Azmi and Yunus ended not only with a decisive victory but with a storm of controversy at the post-fight press conference. While Yunus secured a technical knockout in the eighth round, it was his verbal jab at his opponent’s appearance that stole the headlines.
The tension was palpable as both fighters faced the media. Yunus, brimming with confidence after his win, was answering questions about his strategy when he abruptly shifted focus to his defeated rival.
“Let’s be honest here,” Yunus said, leaning into the microphone. “I dominated in there tonight. From the first round, I saw he was weak, hesitant. But honestly, what distracted me the most wasn’t his footwork—it was his hair. I mean, come on. That hairstyle? It’s just ugly (jelek). How can you focus on fighting when you look like that?”
A collective gasp rippled through the room. Cameras immediately swiveled to capture Yusuf Azmi’s reaction. The defeated fighter, who had been stoic until that point, visibly stiffened, his expression shifting from exhaustion to cold anger.
“This is a sport of respect,” Azmi countered when handed the microphone, his voice low but firm. “We train for months, we sacrifice, we bleed in that ring. And now you talk about my hair? It shows your level. You won the fight, congratulations. But you lost the respect of many tonight. My hair, my style, that’s me. I don’t fight to be a fashion model. I fight for glory and for my team. Your words are smaller than any punch you threw.”
The moderator struggled to regain control as reporters shouted follow-up questions. Yunus, seemingly unfazed, shrugged off Azmi’s rebuttal. “It’s just the truth. Maybe if he spent less time on his ugly hair and more on his defense, the result would have been different. This is a tough sport. If he can’t handle a little comment, maybe he’s in the wrong business.”
The incident has sparked immediate backlash on social media and from boxing analysts. Many veterans of the sport criticized Yunus for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“Trash talk has its place, but attacking personal appearance after a win is low,” said former champion, Mario Costa. “You win with your fists in the ring and with class outside it. Yunus failed the second test tonight.”
Fans are also divided. While some see it as harmless psychological gamesmanship, many believe Yunus crossed a line, turning a moment of athletic triumph into one of unnecessary personal ridicule.
The athletic commission overseeing the event has not commented on whether Yunus will face any disciplinary action for his remarks. However, the drama has almost guaranteed massive public interest in a potential rematch.
Yusuf Azmi, in a brief statement to his fans after the conference, said, “I will be back, stronger. This isn’t over. Some people confuse victory with greatness. Tonight showed the difference.”
One thing is certain: the rivalry between Yusuf Azmi and Yunus has evolved from a purely sporting contest into a deeply personal grudge match. The next chapter, whenever it comes, will be about more than just titles or rankings it will be about respect. And, undoubtedly, all eyes will be on their hair the moment they step into the ring again.