In an unexpected turn of events, an Illinois incident witnessed a young wrestler sucker-punching his opponent right after losing to him. The impact of the punch was violent enough for the police to have now started an investigation into it. The shocking scene occurred in a wrestling competition at Oack River Forest High School in Oak Park 3
Kids aged anywhere from 8 to 18 participated in the “Beat The Streets” tournament on April 8. As per the video shot by The Wrestling Spot, one can see Hafid Alicea suffering a 14-2 defeat to Cooper Corder in the said tournament. As per reports, Hafid belongs to Maine West High School while Corder has his name under the SPAR Wrestling Academy.
Hafid Alicea of Maine West (IL) throws a sucker punch at the line… #wtf pic.twitter.com/9m4HAxl2oF
— The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@MrPatMineo) April 14, 2023
Unfortunately, things took a disturbing spin right after the match. Right after Hafid’s loss, the referee expected both wrestlers to shake hands. And while Cooper seemed more than willing to do so, his rival had other plans. Instead of returning the handshake, Alicea punched Corder right in the face before dropping him to the wrestling mat
The footage has since gone viral all over social media. While Cooper immediately dropped to the floor, officials rushed in to guide Alicea away from the scenes. Two adults rushed onto the mat as well to attend to Cooper, who appeared visibly shocked while lying on the mat.
According to TMZ Sports, the incident has rendered Cooper with a broken nose, and will have to wear a protective mask going forward to upcoming wrestling matches.
SPAR Academy founder, Justin Pearch reacted to the unfortunate incident. “He is making the best of the situation and is already back to training,” Justin said. “As you may know, wrestling matches can get heated but nothing leading up to the punch would give cause to such bad decision-making on the opponent’s part.”
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“It’s not tolerated in our sport and Spar Wrestling will never condone that behavior,” concluded Pearch.
The Oak Park Police have now taken matters into their hands, as an investigation for the incident has actively begun. Corder’s parents have since filed assault charges against Hafid Alicea. A representative of the police department confirmed that both Cooper and Alicea’s parents are cooperating.
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Critics react to the viral aftermath of the wrestling tournament
As Justin mentioned above, such incidents aren’t uncommon. However, sportsmanship is what everyone should strive for, no matter the end result. As expected, it didn’t take for critics and wrestling fans to voice their disdain toward the sucker puncher on social media.
Hafid has garnered quite the heat online after his wrongdoing. So much so that the backlash is now calling for Alicea’s lifetime ban from future wrestling competitions. One fan even said, “He should be banned by USA and charged with something.”
Total cheap shot, should be subject to some sort of ban for an extended amount of time but not sure we need to know the name & school of a 16U athlete in this scenario. I’m sure many will disagree, just my opinion.
— DGS Wrestling (@DGS_Wrestling) April 14, 2023
Protect yourself at all times.
— P Kit (@pkitzke) April 14, 2023
He should be banned by USA and charged with something.
— Gerald Harris (@GHurricane) April 15, 2023
Arrest him. What a sore loser. Hope the parents sue the kid too.
— Senior Boobies (@SeniorBoobies) April 19, 2023
Should be banned for at least a year from any competition at all
— NYMike (@NYerinATX) April 14, 2023
Tell kids they are better than they are and award participation trophies and this is the society you raise.
— Dustin Y (@Skerz_jk) April 14, 2023
What do you make of the ordeal surrounding the wrestling match? Let us know in the comments down below.