A highly anticipated boxing appearance by poker star Dan “Jungleman” Cates came to an abrupt and controversial end Thursday night in Southern California, as his match was stopped in the second round following a disputed blow to the head that left him bloodied and unable to continue.
Cates stepped into the ring at The Maybourne Beverly Hills as part of a sanctioned event hosted by the newly formed Beverly Hills Fight Club. Standing across from him was Ryan “Elf” Noel, a sports betting personality and longtime bettor. Both fighters were making their boxing debuts, turning the bout into a curiosity-driven attraction rather than a technical showcase.
Confusion Leads to Controversy
The venue was packed for the five-fight card, which drew a mix of boxing fans and poker enthusiasts. Among those in attendance was controversial social media figure Andrew Tate, adding to the buzz surrounding the night. Despite his legendary status in poker, Cates entered the ring as a heavy underdog.
The opening round saw competitive exchanges, though Noel clearly controlled the action. Trouble struck early in the second round after both fighters went to the canvas during a brief scramble. As they stood back up, confusion appeared to arise over whether the referee had officially restarted the bout.
With Cates not yet in a defensive stance, Noel rushed forward and delivered a powerful shot to the side of Jungleman’s head. The blow immediately sparked debate ringside, with some labeling it a cheap shot given the circumstances.
Fight Stopped, No Winner Declared
Cates’ face was visibly bloodied following the punch, prompting the referee to halt the contest. While Noel was not disqualified, officials ruled the bout a no contest, meaning neither fighter was declared the winner.
Noel reportedly voiced frustration with the ruling, but the decision stood. PokerNews later confirmed that Cates suffered a concussion in the fight, though he was said to be feeling fine afterward.
A Short-Lived Foray into Boxing
Cates, a two-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner and one of the most recognizable figures in high-stakes poker, had spoken openly in recent years about wanting to test himself in combat sports. The bout marked his first official boxing match — and ended far sooner than expected.
Given the controversial finish and the injuries involved, a rematch appears unlikely. For now, Jungleman’s brief venture into the boxing ring will be remembered less for the punches thrown and more for the confusion and controversy that brought it to an early close.
