Casimero wins world title, gets beaten up in Argentina

larrybrownsports.com

Filipino Johnriel Casimero stopped Argentine Luis Alberto Lazarte in the tenth round to win the vacant IBF light flyweight crown Friday (Saturday in Manila) and spark a ring riot in Mar de Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Promoter Sammy Gello-ani told Rene Bonsubre Jr. of Philboxing that friends of Lazarte, who is a member of the truckers union, initiated the attack on Team Casimero, even before the Filipino’s hands could be raised in victory.

Boxingscene.com reported that an angry horde rushed the ring and mugged not only Casimero and his team, but also IBF officials, journalists and those who played the role of pacifiers. Chairs and bottles also went flying.

According to Gello-Ani, Casimero, who improved to 16-2 with 12 KOs, knocked down Lazarte twice in round nine before finishing Lazarte (49-11-2 18 KOs) off in the tenth.

Gello-Ani said he, Casimero and trainer Cristopher Tepora said they sustained bruises, but are safe and being guarded by the local police.