LONDON -- British boxer Adrian Dodson was disqualified for biting his opponent in a Commonwealth middleweight championship fight Tuesday night.

Dodson, who had a big lead over Canada's Alain Bonamie going into the 12th round, bit him in the side as they skirmished on the ropes.

Referee John Keane dragged Dodson away, ordered him to his corner and disqualified him.

"It is behavior no one can possibly condone," promoter Jess Harding said. "What makes it even worse was the fact that Dodson was winning so easily and then he has to shame himself and the sport."

Dodson's trainer, Spencer Oliver, said, "Adrian was worn out at the end, but I still don't understand why he bit him."

The scene was reminiscent of Mike Tyson biting Evander Holyfield's ears in their world heavyweight title fight two years ago. Tyson was disqualified.