A boxer accidentally punched the referee during a chaotic match in the Philippines.

Footage shows the fighters waiting for each other to strike - one of them on defensive and the other on offensive with the umpire standing close in Quezon on February 3.

When the boxer in black was the first to throw a jab but missed, causing him to lose balance and lean on the side of the ring.

He quickly pushed himself to stand and launched a fist but did not know that the referee was the one behind him and struck his chest.

Mark Sarcia, who watched the match at LDB Sports Arena, said: 'The event was for our town fiesta. We went there because our friend fought in another match.

'Everyone was screaming when the referee was hit. We did not expect that to happen.'

The referee was not seriously hurt and continued to follow the two fighters during the match.