Deontay Wilder (L) is shown here hitting Sergei Liakhovich (R) with an illegal punch behind his head

Photo by Michael Snyder / The Desert Sun

Former World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) Heavyweight Champion Sergei “The White Wolf” Liakhovich has filed a formal protest, regarding the final outcome of his August 9, 2013 fight with undefeated Deontay Wilder, due to illegal punches that led to him being knocked out at 1:43 of the first round at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

Liakhovich’s advisor, Attorney Anthony Cardinale, prepared and recently filed the formal protest with the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC), seeking the outcome be changed to a “no contest” due to obvious violations of the CSAC rules and regulations.

“I am confident that the California State Athletic Commission operates at a high level of professionalism and will not stand for Wilder’s illegal tactics and change the decision to ‘No Contest’”, Liakhovich said. “Video and pictures support what really happened. It is illegal to hit behind the ear, on the back of the neck, and on the back of the head. Since when is swinging your hands anyway you want called boxing? How can Wilder be proud of this kind of win? I understand that everybody in America is looking for a new star but he is not it. My goal is to get a rematch with Wilder and fight him according to the rules of boxing.”

The two illegal blows came in succession, first, behind Liakhovich’s ear and neck area, and the second to the back of Liakhovich’s skull. Video of the aforementioned incident, one in real time and the other in slow motion (see below), were filed as evidence as well as still photos like the one shown above.

Team Liakhovich also claimed that referee Tom Taylor was not in position to view the two illegal punches, despite being warned by Team Liakhovich during a pre-fight meeting about potential fouling on Wilder’s part.

Based on the evidence provided, Team Liakhovich has petitioned the CSAC to hold a hearing about this claim and then change the original outcome to a “no contest.”