Boxing has always been by its very nature, an aggressive sport.

However, with various boards of control policing the sport at the professional - apart from the inflammatory rhetoric often employed in pre-fight build-ups - a certain level of etiquette is expected to be maintained.

In general, this etiquette filters down to the amateur level, where competitors are taught to respect their opponents and strict training regimes develop individual discipline.

The rules at the 31 franchises of Golden Gloves of America Inc. situated across the United States, are no different.

Established in 1923, the organisation has produced multiple Olympic and Pan-Am Games competitors and aims: ‘to provide an activity and safe environment that promotes and enhances the physical and emotional well-being and social development of young athletes; develops individual athletic skills, work ethic, discipline, sportsmanship, self-respect and pride; and provides entertainment to citizens of the community.’

Therefore, if a boxer throws a petulant cheap shot after the bell at a Golden Gloves event, a hostile reaction from his opponent and sections of the crowd may be expected, but common sense would usually prevail and the situation would be defused.

This was not to be the case on Wednesday evening in Los Angeles.

Instead, a late punch triggered utterly chaotic scenes as a mass brawl broke out among the majority of spectators at the event.

Beginning among the seating areas, the fighting spilled over into the ring itself in frantic fashion, as men and women alike joined in the violence.

Several onlookers managed to capture parts of the brawl on video, later uploaded to Instagram.

Clips show vicious punches being landed in the ring, while what appears to be a middle-aged woman, resorts to hitting a man from behind with a chair.

Remarkable events in Los Angeles then, as one small event triggered a riot-esque reaction from members of the sizeable crowd.

Incredibly, once the situation was defused by police intervention and the ring cleared of debris, event organisers opted to continue with the schedule and complete the evening’s boxing.

Check out the scarcely believable footage below!