Is Jefri Nichol Robbed? The Answer Is No

The rematch between El Rumi and Jefri Nichol at Superstar Knockout Vol 3: King of the Ring ended almost as quickly as it began. Just 38 seconds into the first round, El Rumi’s blistering offense forced the referee to step in and declare a TKO. While some fans cried foul, the stoppage was not controversial. It was the correct call.

Two Different Levels of Commitment
El Rumi entered this fight with a single focus: winning. He cleared his schedule, halting all shooting commitments, and committed to full-time training at Nelson Nainggolan’s gym. His preparation was intense, with day and night sessions dedicated to refining boxing fundamentals, sharpening defense, and building endurance. Every decision was geared toward entering the ring in peak condition.

Jefri Nichol’s approach could not have been more different. Instead of committing to a boxing-focused camp, he chose to train with Max Metino, a respected MMA practitioner but one whose expertise lies in a sport with very different rules and strategies. There is a real possibility that Max’s lack of deep boxing rule knowledge left Nichol without crucial tactical awareness for a professional bout.

Signs of Disinterest
Even before fight week, Nichol’s attitude raised eyebrows. At press conferences, he appeared casual and even disinterested, with little of the intensity or focus typical of a fighter seeking redemption. His team selection also reflected a laid-back approach, prioritizing personal comfort over specialized boxing guidance.

His readiness came into further question when, in a public sparring session, Nichol was convincingly beaten by fellow celebrity Deni Sumargo, someone not known as a professional-level boxer. For many observers, that was a warning sign.

What Happened in the Ring
When the bell rang, El Rumi wasted no time. He pressed forward aggressively, landing clean and unanswered punches. Nichol struggled to defend, and within seconds, his shoulder was dislocated. With Nichol unable to mount any defense, the referee, an experienced WBA official, stepped in and ended the fight.

As the ICB Championship later explained, the “number one rule of boxing” is to protect both fighters. In the referee’s view, Nichol was in no state to protect himself, making the stoppage mandatory under boxing rules.

The Verdict
This was not a robbery. El Rumi came in hungry, prepared, and willing to push himself through a proper fight camp. Jefri Nichol did not. The difference in focus and preparation showed the moment the bell rang.

El Rumi earned this win. The referee did his job. The result was fair.