The IBF banned Light Flyweight Luis Lizarte for his participation and subsequent threats to referee Eddie Claudio during a wild brawl during his bout with Johnreil Casimero last Saturday in Argentina according to Dan Rafael of espn.com
After Claudio docked a point from Lazarte for blatant punches behind Casimero’s head in the sixth round, Lazarte removed his mouthpiece and can clearly be heard (in comments translated from Spanish on the broadcast of Argentine network TyC) saying to Claudio, “Do you want to make it out of here alive?”
“There is one measure that we are taking into our own hands and that we will enforce,” (IBF Predident) Darryl Peoples wrote. “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.”
“I take this opportunity to address you in regards to the deplorable acts of violence that transpired after the Lazarte-Casimero bout,” Peoples wrote. “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 (ensuring) 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.
