EBU title fight between Navarro and Zaren abandoned after freak thunderstorm

The EBU super-middleweight title fight between Jose Luis Navarro Jr. (17-2) and Oliver Zaren (19-0) had to be abandoned on Friday night in Madrid, after a freak thunderstorm caused chaos.

The fight was outdoors and came to a bizarre ending after just three rounds when heavy rain and lightning struck the venue.

Conditions quickly worsened as rain began falling into ring. The slippery canvas became increasingly unsafe for both fighters, forcing officials to step in.

The broadcast also suffered issues, with viewers losing the live feed before confirmation emerged that the bout would not continue.

Because the fight had not gone beyond three rounds, the clash was ruled a no contest, leaving the European belt without a new champion.