News Corp is a network of leading companies in the worlds of diversified media, news, education, and information services.

Dakota Linger scored a massive upset win by stopping Josue Vargas at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theatre in New York on Saturday night.

The 13-5-3 boxer from West Virginia was drafted in to help make Vargas look good as he continues to rebuild after a shock first-round knockout loss to Josh Taylor’s next opponent, Jose Zepeda, last October.

But things did not go according to plan as Linger stopped the heavily favoured Vargas inside two rounds on the undercard of Edgar Berlanga vs Alexis Angulo.

Worryingly, referee Ron Lipton – who has officiated fights involving the likes of Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr. and Oscar De La Hoya – could and should have stepped in to wave off the fight much sooner than he did.

After 40 seconds of round two, Linger landed a massive overhand right that rocked Vargas down to his boots. The 24-year-old tried to stay on his feet before falling to the floor, only for the referee to call it a slip.

Vargas was clearly hurt when he got back up and his opponent knew it. Linger came out swinging and after about a minute of unanswered shots, he finally forced Vargas down to the floor and through the ropes.

This time the referee decided to give the Puerto Rican a count, but the fight really should’ve been waved off as he looked out of it when climbing back to his feet.

Vargas was wobbly and stumbling around the neutral corner but was allowed to fight on and take more, unnecessary punishment.

Should the ref have stopped Dakota Linger's fight with Josue Vargas earlier? 🤔🥊 pic.twitter.com/Efa1xQ4zwd

Another 20 seconds passed, and the referee continued to hesitate causing panic in the arena. The New York State Commission inspectors and ringside doctors ultimately climbed onto the ring apron and ordered him to end the fight.

Watching the fight, boxer Shakur Stevenson tweeted: “Smh [shaking my head] why did they allow him to continue?”

This worrying scene comes just days after South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi died after his fight with Siphesihle Mntungwa ended in disturbing circumstances.

While cruising to a decision win, Buthelezi had to be stopped by the referee for throwing punches at thin air and seemingly fighting an invisible opponent.

The 24-year-old was taken to hospital and placed into an induced coma, but on Wednesday shockwaves were sent through the boxing community when it was announced that he had passed away.

This service is provided on talkSPORT Ltd's Terms of Use in accordance with our Privacy Policy.