IBF Bans Luis Lazarte For Life Over Threat on Ref's Life

As a result of last week's riot in Bueno Aires, Argentina, the International Boxing Federation has issued a lifetime ban on junior flyweight Luis Lazarte. Last Saturday night, Johnreil Casimero stopped Lazarte in ten rounds. Following the stoppage, dozens of fans started throwing chairs and bottles at Casimero, his team, and the ringside officials. Fans also rushed the ring and started attacking Casimero and his team members.

During the fight, Lazarte was using his usual dirty tricks. He bit Casimero several times and even threatened the life of referee Eddie Claudio in the sixth round.

Osvaldo Bisbal – Presidente

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dear Mr. Bisbal:

First I would like to inform you that we are pleased with our increased activity in Argentina and look forward to developing it further this year. Argentina is a country with a strong boxing heritage and we aim to become an integral party of its history.

With that being said, I take this opportunity to address you in regards to the deplorable acts of  violence that transpired after the Lazarte-Casimero bout. This type of violence has no place in a boxing match, or any sporting event for that matter, as it completely goes against the grain of what competition is about. Surely you agree to that. It is important that all of us in the boxing community, because this act in not exclusive to Argentina, utilize this experience as one to learn from and develop better ways to protect the perimeter around the ring and the people that are in it, while also insuring the safety of all those attending a boxing match. 

Furthermore, I would like to know what steps have been taken with the local police department to bring those individuals that entered the ring and assaulted Mr. Casimero and his camp to justice.

There are a number of individuals that can likely be identified in the video recording of the fight  and who should be investigated through the proper legal channels. I expect that you will do what you can to further inform me on this matter.

There is one measure that we are taking into our own hands and that we will enforce. As a result of Luis Lazarte threatening the life of referee Eddie Claudio while receiving a points deduction in the sixth round, Lazarte is banned from being involved in any capacity in any IBF related fight that takes place in Argentina or around the world. I believe that I do not have to express to you that Lazarte’s threat to Claudio, which can be clearly heard in the telecast, is completely unacceptable, should not be taken lightly and merits punishment. Behavior of this nature by a fighter is not and will not be tolerated by the IBF.

Mr. Bisbal, I believe I have clarified the IBF’s stance to you on this issue and I look forward to hearing from you.

Daryl J. Peoples, President