WATCH: Illinois Youth Wrestler Sucker Punched After Match While Going For Handshake

Shocking video of a youth wrestler getting sucker punched after a wrestling match in Illinois started making the rounds on social media this week.

The incident took place at the “Beat The Streets” tournament on April 8 at Oak Park River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois, per TMZ.

This wrestling tournament included athletes from ages 8 to 18. A video from the event, which just started making headlines, shows an 8th-grader from SPAR Wrestling Academy and his opponent from Maine West High School finishing up on the mat during a 125-128 pound freestyle third-place match. The SPAR wrestler won in a 14-2 decision.

But just before the competitors were meant to shake hands, the losing athlete suddenly sucker-punched the winner in the head. The SPAR wrestler instantly crumpled to the floor as onlookers rushed to his side. One woman could be heard screaming, “What the f***! Oh my God” as she rushed over.

Hafid Alicea of Maine West (IL) throws a sucker punch at the line… #wtf pic.twitter.com/9m4HAxl2oF

— The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@MrPatMineo) April 14, 2023

“He is making the best of the situation and is already back to training,” SPAR Wrestling Academy founder Justin Pearch told TMZ Tuesday.

“As you may know, wrestling matches can get heated but nothing leading up to the punch would give cause to such bad decision-making on the opponent’s part,” he said. “It’s not tolerated in our sport and SPAR Wrestling will never condone that behavior.”

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An Oak Park Police Department spokesperson said the incident is under investigation and that the parents of both minors are cooperating. The victim’s parents have reportedly filed assault charges, according to Pat Mineo of The Wrestling Room.

The Daily Mail noted that the SPAR wrestler is a two-time Illinois state wrestling champion.

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