Boxer brutally beaten by angry fans after making gesture toward his genitals in the ring

A WBC Silver heavyweight championship fight in Istanbul, Turkey, ended in chaos on November 7, 2026, after spectators stormed the ring and attacked French boxer Mourad Aliev. Aliev had just defeated previously undefeated Turkish fighter Umut Camkiran by unanimous decision after 12 rounds.Following the fight, Aliev made a gesture toward his groin that some spectators interpreted as obscene. Tensions escalated when Camkiran approached him, and several people rushed into the ring, throwing punches and kicks. Reports also described Aliev being struck with a chair as security personnel struggled to protect him.Aliev later explained that his gesture was intended to highlight illegal punches he claimed to have received below the belt and behind the head during the fight, rather than to insult the crowd. He also pointed out that he had entered the ring carrying a Turkish flag.The World Boxing Council condemned the violence and called for those responsible to be investigated. Despite the incident, Aliev secured the vacant WBC Silver heavyweight title, improving his professional record to 16 wins and one loss. The full extent of his injuries and any subsequent arrests remained unconfirmed.