Anthony Knox Jr., a three -time state struggle champion of the New Jersey Saint John Vianney School in Holmdel, was disqualified to compete for his fourth consecutive state title after getting involved in a fight that ended with him and his arrested father.
The incident occurred in the NJ 25 District’s Wrestling Tournament in CollingSwood High School, according to NJ.com, and Knox is accused of running towards the stands where a fight between his father, Anthony Knox Mr., and fans who look at the tournament are began.
The videos that appear online showed that the fight broke and made its way through the stands.
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Anthony Knox by Saint John Vianney controls Owen Gardner of Paul VI during the 126-pound combat of the final round of the 25th district fighting tournament in Collingswood High School on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Knox defeated Gardner 17-2. (IMAGN)
When the dust settled, Jersey Sports Zone reported that both Knox Mr. and Knox Jr. were arrested by the police after the fight, which occurred after the 190 pound final. This occurred after Knox had won his last 126 -pound district title.
The Interscholastic Athletic Association of the state of New Jersey (NJSIAA) issued a statement on the matter after reviewing multiple video angles of the fight, during which Knox Jr. ran from the gym’s floor to the stands to the stands to join the fight.
Knox Jr., a Cornell commitment, is the best 126-pound fighter in the United States with a career record and 123 consecutive victories, including the title of his district.
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But he will not have the opportunity for a fourth consecutive state title because he is prohibited from participating in state championships in Atlantic City.
“Early, I informed the Saint John Vianney High School Administration that the wrestling of students-attachments in the 126-pounds weight class has been disqualified from the wrestling tournament NJSIAA,” said NJsiaa executive director Colleen Maguire, in a statement to Pak Gazette Digital.
“The disqualification was the result of my research on an incident that occurred on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in the district tournament organized at the CollingSwood High School. I have determined that the disqualified student-attached violated both the sports sports policy of the association as well as its disqualification rule to leave the bank area during an altercation.
Anthony Knox by St. John Vianney against Kurt Wehner of Donovan Catholic in the wrestling final of 120 pounds in the Njsiaa state struggle championship in Atlantic City on March 2, 2024 (IMAGN)
“I would like to thank the administrators and coaches of our member schools and those spectators who provided declarations and videos written to help the investigation. I would also like to thank the security of the staff of the event and the CollingSwood Police Department for their efficient handling of this incident, which allowed the tournament to be completed without more incident.
“I did not make this decision lightly. I am fully aware of the consequences for the student-attachment. He is a last year student, and this disqualification effectively ends his career in high school. However, my role is to maintain the integrity of the athletics of the secondary school ensuring that all participants adhere to the same rules and remain to the same standards of sports and safety.
“Let it be clear, the association cannot, and no, will condemn actions that violate its sportsmanship policy or its rules approved by the School of Members.”
As a result of disqualification, the weight of 126 pounds has been forwarded to the state tournament.
Anthony Knox by St. John Vianney Fight Hunter Hunter of the Regional Holmdel del Sur, NJ, January 8, 2025. (IMAGN)
Knox Jr. also issued a statement on Instagram.
“As many of you know, I have been disqualified from my next two games due to an unfortunate incident that occurred in the stands in CollingSwood HS long after having finished competing in the district tournament,” wrote Knox Jr. “like anyone else, my only concern at that time was to protect the safety of my family. While I respect the decision of the NJsiaa, my family and I of action in the future.
“I am disappointed with this result, but it is still happy and grateful for the opportunities I have had. I am committed to supporting my teammates who still represent our school and the sport of wrestling with the same passion and dedication that took us here. Whatever happens later, I will continue training, compete and press myself to be the best fighter and person I can be like I continue my career at the University of Cornell.
Anthony Knox by St. John Vianney Lucha Braden Jones de Delbton January 4, 2025 (IMGN)
“Thank you all for your continuous love and support. It really means the world for me. I am more motivated than ever and excited to show everyone what I already know, that I am the best there is.”
It is unknown if the state of Knox Jr. with the University of Cornell has been affected.
