Maurice Harris to File Protest with IBF

04.03 - Maurice Harris will file a protest with the IBF because he has proof that the blow that preceded the left hook by Fres Oquendo in round 10 of their elimination bout was an illegal rabbit punch which resulted in Maurice being knocked out.

Prior to the fight, Team Harris had filed a written protest with the Nevada State Athletic Commission because someone from Oquendo's team had said publicly that Oquendo would result to illegal tactics in order to win the fight. This matter was brought to the attention of Marc Ratner and Joe Cortez prior to the fight taking place. We have proof from Fres' prior fights against Clifford Ettiene and Juan Arias that Oquendo punches to the back of his opponents head.

The video tape of Harris' fight clearly shows Fres striking Maurice illegally with an open glove to the back of the head. There can be no dispute that it was an illegal blow which placed Harris' health in serious jeopardy.

In the coming days, Team Harris will formally file the written protest and include film footage showing that Fres' punches to the back of his opponents head are no accident. There is a history here and action must be taken before someone gets seriously injured. Behind on all judges' scorecards, Fres was in a desperate state and the rabbit punch was intentional. This is not a situation of someone crying over spilled milk after the fact. We warned the Nevada Commission about our concerns prior to the fight. Unfortunately, those precise concerns determined Harris' fate.