Leon Lawson Jr. was suspended by the Maryland Athletic Commission following his Sucker punch on Jose Uzcategui on May 20th, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.
“Based on an initial investigation of events that took place on May 20, 2017 during a professional boxing show held at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, licensed second [cornerman] Leon Lawson II was summarily suspended by the Maryland State Athletic Commission as of May 23, 2017 for exhibiting unruly conduct in violation of commission regulations,” Maryland State Athletic Commission Executive Director Patrick Pannella said in a statement given to ESPN on Thursday.
“Such action is pursuant to Maryland state law authorizing the summary suspension of a licensee where the commission finds that the public health, safety and welfare imperatively requires emergency action.
“The action was taken as a result of Mr. Lawson punching professional boxer Jose Uzcategui in the face following the conclusion of the boxing contest between Mr. Uzcategui and Andre Dirrell. The Maryland State Athletic Commission’s suspension of Mr. Lawson was issued on an indefinite basis. The commission is continuing its investigation and takes this matter very seriously.”
Lawson is still wanted by police but, according to MLive.com, Lawson has agreed to turn himself in to authorities. According to the website, attorney Frank J. Manley is representing Lawson, and the lawyer said that Lawson will turn himself in and appear in Prince George’s County District Court on Friday.
“It’s important to understand that Mr. Lawson has not been on the run, but rather his attorneys have been negotiating with the authorities in Maryland to have a voluntary turn in,” Manley said, according to the website. “He looks forward to resolving this matter.”
“On Thursday, May 25 the IBF received a written request from Jose Uzcategui’s advisor, Sean Gibbons, and his promoter, Zanfer Promotions, asking for a review of the Uzcategui vs. Dirrell bout,” the IBF said in a statement. “Uzcategui’s camp claims that referee Bill Clancy made an erroneous call when ruling that their fighter deliberately punched Andre Dirrell after the bell. They have requested that the IBF review the fight and order an immediate rematch. A fighter’s safety in the ring is of great importance to the IBF and Lawson’s action will be addressed by the organization.”
