The winning boxer was knocked out with a bucket of ice water.

A rare incident occurred in a boxing match for the IBF-WBA North American welterweight championship at the Bell Centre in Montreal (Canada) when the winning boxer was knocked out by a bucket of ice from the audience, leading to a fierce brawl.

The rare incident occurred during the fight between boxer Steven Butler and opponent Brandon Cook on January 28, but was just reported by the media on February 9. The fight between Butler (from Toronto) and home boxer Cook received great attention from North American boxing fans as both had “undefeated” records after 19 and 18 fights respectively.

Boxer Cook (right) collapsed after being hit by a bucket of ice water thrown from the stands. Screenshot from the Canadian Press

The confrontation was further heated up in the 6,000-seat arena by the sporting rivalry between Toronto and Montreal, which contributed to the unfortunate incident that followed.

According to the Montreal Gazette, the fight went into the seventh round when referee Marlon B. Wright decided to award Cook the win because Butler was no longer conscious enough to continue fighting. The referee's decision brought excitement to the home crowd while Butler's supporters reacted violently, throwing water bottles and hard objects onto the ring.

Meanwhile, after being lifted up by a fan in celebration, Cook went to celebrate with Butler but was pushed hard in the chest by the Toronto boxer. Coincidentally, at the same time Butler pushed his opponent, a bucket of rocks was thrown from the stands and hit Cook in the head, causing the home boxer to fall to the floor. Fortunately, Cook was not seriously injured. However, according to CBC, the rock-throwing incident that knocked out the home boxer led to a fierce brawl in the stands that left 5 people injured and at least 2 people arrested.

Boxer Brandon Cook (right) was knocked out by a bucket of ice water thrown from the stands - Source: Youtube

According to TNO