Why didn't Ferg get a DQ for assaulting after the bell had clearly rang ?
It was Cowboy's reaction that caused 70% of the backlash.
Tony was sorry & apologetic, both of their bells were ringing throughout the fight.
It was not ill-intended or charged by malice.
Cowboy is beloved, Tony isn't.
Donald's reaction was the major factor.
That and Tony's lack of immediate apology.
And Donald was on 40% queer street before the punch, and 70% after it.
His standing there wasn't only a "wtf", is was a "where am I?", and an "oh yeah, I'm still here, that was late, hey ref, that was late right?".
Had Tony been
allowed to walk over, apologize & hug it out, he likely would have and they would've been cool.
And when the fight was stopped, the reaction from the fight world wouldn't nearly be as hate-fueled.
But they are not allowed to have contact at all after the bell mid-fight, either by punch or apology.
There's been some overreaction by fans.
Sometimes it's fueled by a fan favorite being on the receiving end, sometimes it's alcohol-fueled, sometimes it's the result immediately afterward.
This just happened to be the perfect storm.
The right call was made, imo.
I'd watch a rematch certainly, but in no way is it called for based on anything that occured in that fight, other than it being damn entertaining.