Hafid Alicea, a teenage wrestler has been cited for assault after he sucker punched opponent Cooper Corder following a match. The incident occurred on April 8 at Oak Park River Forest HS in Oak Park, Illinois, after Corder has won a match, 14-2, and extended his hand to Alicea, pretending to get ready to shake, he punches Corder in the face instead, deviating his septum.
According to Oak Park Police Department, the eighth-grade student was officially issued a citation after he admitted to officers that he punched his opponent because “he was angry that he had lost the match. He is now facing fines and penalties depending on the outcome of the adjudication hearing in Oak Park, Illinois, next month.
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According to a TMZ report, it is unclear if Alicea will face further punishment such as a lifetime ban from wrestling.
Who is Cooper Corder?
Cooper Corder is a 14-year-old wrestler at SPAR Academy. He has won more than 500 matches since the age of four and is a highly decorated young wrestler. His mother said she doesn’t want the viral video to take away from his accomplishments and the dedication has for the game.
Corder competed against Alicea in a freestyle match. The fight ended with a score of 14-2.
After the match, the two wrestlers can be seen approaching the center circle of the mat or what is commonly called the “red zone.” The two opponents went to the red zone to shake hands and for the official announcement of Corder’s victory.
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Alicea landed a brutal and unexpected punch to Corder’s face immediately falling the young wrestler to the mat. Corder’s parents ran to the center to check on their injured son, with his father looking furious after the incident.
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Corder suffered a broken nose and will have to wear a mark in upcoming matches, reported TMZ. The parents said they are pressing criminal charges.
