Harley Benn secured a controversial disqualification victory over Joe Laws after referee Jack Goodwin ruled a late headbutt intentional. The decision sparked widespread debate among fans and leaves Laws demanding an immediate rematch following his second consecutive Misfits Boxing defeat.
The rivalry between the two fighters traces back to 2023 following an extended period of social media exchanges. An initial fight date set for March 2025 was postponed when the KSI card fell through. Tempers flared again during the pre-fight build-up, where a heated face-off escalated into a brawl that required security intervention.
The bout itself reached a sudden conclusion in the center of the ring during the closing seconds. After Benn missed with a right cross, Laws waited behind a high guard before slipping inside as Benn moved forward with a jab. As Laws raised his head, he made contact with Benn’s chin, sending him onto the canvas between the lower ropes. Referee Jack Goodwin waived off the knockdown, examined Benn in his corner, and subsequently disqualified Laws.
The stoppage prompted immediate backlash online from viewers who questioned the official ruling. One spectator noted: “Should never have been a DQ; Harley was celebrating on the ropes like he actually won by knockout. Wasn’t intentional.” Another fan shared a similar view: “Bullshit decision imo; Harley knew he shouldn’t have been given the DQ. That’s why he ran out. He was celebrating on the ropes, like he actually threw a punch. 🤣 Feel bad for Joe Laws; no wonder he was riled up post-fight.”
Laws expressed his disbelief immediately after the official decision was rendered. In a post-fight interview, he said: “I leaned my head on him and over I did. How’s that intentional? How could you mate? How’s that intentional?”
Some fans felt the ruling was influenced by the Newcastle fighter’s aggressive reputation inside the ring. A spectator commented: “Just not intentional. He’s got a reputation, which has caused that decision. Ridiculous referee”
The result marks a second straight loss on the promotion for Laws, who previously suffered a second-round knockout against Amir Anderson in December 2025. Seeking to set the record straight, Laws has publicly urged promotion head Mams Taylor to sanction an immediate rematch.
