Tempers flared backstage at the Misfits Boxing event in Dubai, as USA's Anthony Taylor hit India's Neeraj Goyat with a water bottle, the video of which went viral on social media. The incident took place after Goyat emerged victorious against Taylor via an unanimous decision.
After Goyat comprehensively defeated Taylor, the American followed the Indian backstage and offered a handshake. However, things turned worse when Goyat refused to shake hands with Taylor and said, “you don't even know about boxing man.”
Irked by Goyat's words, Taylor took a water bottle from the ground and hurled it at the Indian. Such was the situation, that the security had to intervene and escort Taylor out of the area. Goyat charged towards Taylor before the Indian was stopped by his team members. “Relax, relax, you won,” one of Goyat's team member was heard saying.
The Neeraj Goyat vs Anthony Taylor war of words started even before the bout began. Taylor seemed to have said something about India to Goyat. The India gave repeated warnings to the American stating he shouldn't say anything about his country.
Following the win, Goyat was heard saying, “The American guy underestimate me. I just want to say, don't underestimate Indians. I had said, India is your father, so India is your father. The Indians, they do what they say and also add extra,” Goyat said in a video, possibly after the bout.
Who is Neeraj Goyat?
A prominent name in Indian boxing, Goyat is also a Mixed Martial Artist (MMA) and is a three-time WBC Asia Champion. Goyat is the first Indian boxer to be ranked in the World Boxing Council world rankings. So far, Goyat won 19 matches, lost four and drew twice.
The highlights of his career was Goyat's win over Brazilian Whindersson Nunes via unanimous decision during the high-profile Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul event in Texas last year in 2024. He is also the first international fighter to sign on the dotted lines with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).
He had also appeared as a contestant on Big Boss OTT Season 3 and was eliminated in five days. Goyat has also worked in several Bollywood films including Mukkabaaz, Toofaan, and RRR.
