Bogdan Dinu files protest after loss to Kubrat Pulev

Badlefthook.com

Heavyweight Bogdan Dinu has filed a protest with the California State Athletic Commissionregarding his March 23 knockout loss in Costa Mesa to Kubrat Pulev, which aired as the main event of a Top Rank card on ESPN.

Romania’s Dinu (18-2, 14 KO) was knocked down early in the seventh round by Bulgarian contender Pulev (27-1, 14 KO), and then Pulev landed a punch to the back of Dinu’s head while Dinu was down in the corner.

Pulev was penalized by referee Raul Caiz Jr, who took one point for the foul. Dinu was also given the customary five minutes to recover, and like all fighters took nowhere near the full time. He was dropped two more times by Pulev after the fight got going again, and the fight was stopped on the third knockdown.

Dinu’s promoter Greg Cohen tells ESPN.com that they have “officially filed protest papers and requested a hearing before the California commission,” and the commission told the site that Dinu’s issue will be heard at the next meeting in May.

Pulev’s presence has been requested at that same hearing, as he’s currently suspended by the commission for a post-fight controversy where he kissed a reporter during an interview, and she also alleges that he groped her. The reporter is taking legal action.