European champion Sam Maxwell gives HIMSELF a black eye after punching his own face

European super-lightweight champion Sam Maxwell was left red-faced – and black eyed – after accidentally punching himself in the face during a live video demonstration on how to throw an uppercut.

The 31-year-old has been keeping busy and staying in shape during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown by working out at home, and has documented his routine on his Instagram account.   

Maxwell was putting combinations together on his punchbag during a video this week when he opted to mix things up by adding in an uppercut – which proved to be an ill-fated decision.

The boxer appeared to be hurt after punching himself and dropped to his knees

He suffered a nasty black eye from the unfortunate incident, which was filmed live online

The boxer addressed the camera to give those following at home some instructions on how to throw an uppercut.

Maxwell threw a few straight shots before somehow catching himself in his own face with the uppercut.

He immediately dropped to his knees as his eye quickly began closing up. 

Maxwell told his friend to cut the live video before later revealing the extent of the damage he had done to his own eye.

The Frank Warren-promoted fighter was left with a nasty shiner but managed to see the funny side, tweeting: ‘My Instagram live workouts are cancelled until further notice.’

Maxwell is the European super-lightweight champion and has won all 13 of his pro fights

Tyson Fury punched himself in the face during his fourth professional fight back in 2009

Although Maxwell will feel some embarrassment from his gaffe, the fact that world heavyweight champion and current No 1 Tyson Fury has also fell victim to his own fists before, and during a professional fight, will likely offer him some comfort. 

Maxwell, who made his professional debut in 2016, has won all 13 of his fights and has registered 11 knockouts.

Last year, he was involved in one of the most extraordinary endings to a fight, knocking out Sabri Sediri – who was well ahead of the cards at the time – as he showboated in the final round of their fight.

He stopped the previously undefeated Connor Parker in seven rounds in his last fight back in November to retain his European title.

Maxwell knocked out Sabri Sediri as he showboated in the final round of their fight last year