The International Boxing Federation handed down a lifetime ban Thursday to Argentine boxer Luis Lazarte for helping to incite a riot after his loss to Johnriel Casimero of the Philippines.
Casimero stopped the 40-year-old Lazarte on Friday in the 10th round after knocking him down twice, triggering an ugly scene in which Argentine fans hurled bottles and chairs into the ring in anger over the local favorite's loss.
Lazarte also threatened to kill referee Eddie Claudio after he was docked a point 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," read a letter from IBF president Daryl Peoples to the Argentine Boxing Federation, according to BoxingScene.com.
"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."
Fans stormed the ring, attacking the 22-year-old Casimero, with others going after his cornermen, though none were believed to have been seriously injured in the chaos.
Peoples wrote in the letter that he would like to know what steps have been taken to arrest the assailants, many of which were clearly caught on camera.
According to ESPN, Lazarte was penalized for punching Casimero behind the head, and twice bit him on the shoulder during the fight. ESPN boxing reporter Dan Rafael described Lazarte as "the dirtiest fighter" in the sport.
With the victory, Casimero upped his record to 16-2 with 10 knockouts and won the vacant IBF junior flyweight title.
