Gabriel Retains WBO Boxing Title After Controversial Stoppage

It was an odd way to start 2012 in women’s boxing. After what was a competitive match in Palacio de los Deportes, Heredia, Costa Rica, referee Geno Rodriguez abruptly stopped the title fight between WBO Junior Middleweight champion Hanna Gabriel and Dakota Stone in round 8; awarding the win to Gabriel. Stone wasn’t in any trouble and was more than responsive during the whole fight.

Hanna Gabriel of Costa Rica celebrates her victory over Dakota Stone of the U.S. in their WBO boxing world super welterweight title fight in Heredia Saturdya. Gabriel won by a knockout in the 8th round.

“The most bizarre stoppage I’ve seen,” stated veteran boxing commentator Al Bernstein. ”What on earth Gino Rodriguez was thinking, I have no clue at all.”

Wombat Sports had Gabriel up on the cards 4 rounds to 3. Gabriel goes to 13-0-1, while Stone falls to 10-8 and has yet to win a title fight.

In the other female contest on the card, Carolina Arias defeats Abigail Ramos to win her debut into the pros.