Casimero-Lazarte post fight riot

MANILA, Philippines – In the wake of the riot that occurred after a boxing match in Argentina last week, Cebuano boxers are now reluctant to fight in other countries.

Filipino boxer Johnriel Casimero, who fights out of Cebu, defeated hometown bet Luis Lazarte in Buenos Aires to win the interim International Boxing Federation light flyweight champion.

Following his win, Lazarte’s supporters rioted, leaving some members of Casimero’s team injured.

Some of his teammates in the Omega Boxing Gym in Cebu are now afraid of fighting outside of the Philippines, especially in Argentina.

“Nakakatakot na lumaban pa sa ibang bansa gaya sa Argentina,” said Reynaldo Orais, a trainer at the gym. “As much as possible, iwasan ang Argentina.”

Rolando Mendoza, manager of the Omega gym, has asked the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) in Cebu to investigate the incident.

GAB-Cebu spokesperson Rolando Mendoza said that a riot will not happen in the Philippines because of the strict enforcement of rules.

He said that in all boxing matches held in Cebu, GAB ensures that there are medical personnel and that police and military officials secure the venue. – Report from Carmi Cavanlit, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas