Sean McComb explains how he was put in straitjacket by police a day after controversial Madison Square Garden defeat

Sean McComb exchanges blows with Arnold Barboza Jr. (grey trunks)
Sean McComb exchanges blows with Arnold Barboza Jr. (grey trunks) -Credit:(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)


Irish boxer Sean McComb has opened up about the bizarre experience of being restrained in a straitjacket following his contentious defeat at Madison Square Garden. The Belfast fighter was involved in a hotly-debated match against Arnold Barboza Jr, which took place on the undercard of the Ryan Garcia v Devin Haney bout. Despite a strong showing that had many believing McComb deserved the victory, the judges awarded the fight to Barboza Jr, who maintained his unbeaten record.

The decision sparked outrage among boxing enthusiasts and professionals alike, with many taking to social media to express their belief that McComb was unfairly denied a win. However, McComb's troubles didn't end there. In an incident the next day, he found himself in a dramatic encounter with law enforcement, leading to him being placed in handcuffs and a straitjacket.

Recounting the events on Shane Todd's 'Tea with me' podcast, McComb described how, after enjoying some drinks at the airport, he was prevented from boarding his flight due to intoxication, reports the Irish Mirror.

Read more: Sean McComb breaks silence following controversial defeat in New York

"Walked down the wee ramp towards the plane. The air hostess was just like 'youse aren't getting on, you're intoxicated'" McComb recounted.

He continued, detailing the subsequent altercation: "I walked right back up the ramp and there was like f***** four police officers standing there. And he was like 'sit down on the floor.'".

"And I was like 'I'm not f****** sitting down on the floor,' and he just grabbed me and f***** me to the ground and stuck handcuffs on me."

"They put me in the back of an ambulance, put me in a straitjacket with the handcuffs on. I was looking at the guy in the back of the ambulance like 'mate, this is unnecessary' and he was like 'it's just procedure.'".

After being taken to hospital and later released, McComb shared his immediate post-hospital actions: "We got a taxi straight down to Times Square and had another pint! ".

Despite feeling under the weather before fight night at the renowned New York City venue, McComb delivered an extraordinary performance against Barboza Jr, which led to a contentious decision.

Barboza Jr, addressing the controversy, has extended an offer for a rematch to McComb, stating: "Guys I'm willing to run it back with Sean anytime also Ramirez, Garcia, Haney, Matias, Cruz. These are the fights I want. I'm a fighter I fight. Always grateful never satisfied."

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