Argentinian boxer Lazarte banned for threat to ref during title loss to Casimero

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) announced that it has banned Argentinian boxer Luis Lazarte from any future fight in the IBF over the riot that erupted following the former champion's defeat to Filipino fighter Johnriel Casimero last Feb. 10 in Buenos Aires.

 

Lazarte, 40, allegedly threatened to kill referee Eddie Claudio after a point deduction in the 6th round. According to the IBF, Lazarte turned to Claudio while receiving the penalty and said, “Do you want to get out of here alive?”

 

According to IBF president Daryl Peoples, Lazarte's threat, which was heard on telecast, was “completely unacceptable and should not be taken lightly and merits punishment.”

 

“Lazarte is banned from being involved in any capacity in any IBF-related fight that takes place in Argentina or around the world,” Peoples said in a press release issued Friday.

 

Dirty fighter  

Casimero, a 22-year-old Ormoc, Leyte native, won the IBF title via technical knockout after the referee stopped the fight on Lazarte’s 2nd knockdown in the 10th round. Moments later, plastic chairs and mineral water bottles came flying toward the ring even before Casimero was officially declared the IBF junior flyweight champion.

 

In an interview Friday, Casimero’s promoter, Sammy Gello-Ani said that three people from Lazarte’s camp, including the Argentinian fighter's 22-year-old son, climbed inside the ring to attack Casimero.

 

“Sinipa siya ng anak ni Lazarte. Bumaba si Casimero, nagtago sa ilalim ng ring at hindi ko siya nakita nang matagal,” Gello-Ani told GMA News TV anchor Howie Severino in the interview.

 

Gello-Ani admitted knowing about the reputation of Lazarte as a dirty fighter, but said it (fight) was an opportunity for Casimero to win the crown and advance the young Filipino boxer's career.   Argentinian fans are notorious for violence in sporting matches.

 

“Priority kasi sila, hindi puwedeng pumili ng neutral country,"  said Gello-Ani in explained why they needed to fight in hostile territory. "Kung dadalhin ko si Lazarte sa Pilipinas, baka magtagal. Kung hindi ko sinunod, magbi-bidding pa so I just agreed. We have to face it, nandito tayo sa boxing industry, and he (Casimero) did it.”

 

Casimero also told Severino that Lazarte did things ‘you don’t do in boxing matches.’ “Marami po siyang ginagawa na hindi ginagawa sa laban – pagkagat, head-butt at low blow.”

 

Brother's death  

Casimero’s younger brother Jerald, himself a boxer, died of pneumonia days before the fight. He was earlier diagnosed with a heart ailment that motivated Casimero further in order to help his sick brother.

 

“Nanghina ang loob ko. Ano pa ang silbi ng paglaban ko kung wala na 'yung kapatid ko e para sa kanya ‘yun? Pero sinabihan na lang ako ng nanay ko na ituloy ko na lang ang laban,” Casimero said.

 

Gello-Ani wasn’t aware of the death in the family when he flew with Casimero to Argentina. “He didn’t want to worry me and that alone proves he has a strong will to win.”

 

Earlier infractions  

Points were also deducted from Casimero in the 4th round for allegedly kicking Lazarte who was kneeling on the floor. Casimero explained Lazarte had grabbed his legs so the Filipino tried to shake him off, but was instead penalized for kicking.

 

The tension started when Argentinian fans reacted with outrage to the incident. Gello-Ani claimed their American corner man was also hit with a mineral water bottle in the back as early as the 7th round.

 

Security personnel were not able to contain the crowd, prompting Casimero to hide inside the arena away from the unruly Argentinian fans who even punched the local police, who seemed helpless to stop the melee.

 

“One hour akong nagtago. Wala akong kasama. Sumisilip ako pero hindi ako makalabas,” Casimero said.

 

Gello-Ani also said they weren’t provided with full security that could’ve prevented the assault. “To promoters, kapag lalaban kayo sa Argentina, the first thing you should do is demand security,” he said. — with Lian Buan/RSJ/KG/HS, GMA News