Joe Schilling granted immunity from civil lawsuit after viral knockout
Professional combat sports athlete Joe Schilling has been granted immunity from civil lawsuit after Broward County (Florida) circuit court judge Fabienne E. Fahnestock said the fighter acted in self-defense when he knocked Justin Balboa out in a restaurant several years ago.
The judge said that Schilling’s defense was justified under the state’s “Stand Your Ground” laws.
In 2021, a video of Schilling knocking Balboa out went viral after posted to the internet.
At the start of the video, Joe can be seen pushing past a man stood next to the bar in a shirt and tie. When the man takes exception to the push, he calls Joe back over to confront him. A decision he would likely later regret, as Schilling turned and exchanged a few words with the man, before firing off a 2-3 combination that sent the bar-goer to the floor, stiff and motionless.
That man, later identified as Balboa, filed suit stating that he was “viciously attacked, physically struck and assaulted” during the altercation at B Square Burgers.
Balboa also sued the restaurant’s corporate parent for negligence in allowing the incident to take place, according to an article prepared by MMA Fighting.
Balboa’s attorney Conforti said his client had a “considerably high-damages claim” and sought damages in excess of $30,000 from the defendants.
“The court further finds that Schilling used only such force necessary to neutralize the threat, and is therefore entitled to immunity, “ Fahnestock wrote in the court order.
