Juan Manuel Lopez loses boxing license for 1 year

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s Professional Boxing Commission has suspended the license of former WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez for one year for criticizing a referee after his March 10 loss to Mexico’s Orlando Salido.

Lopez was also ordered Tuesday to pay a $10,000 fine and provide 100 hours of community service.

Lopez previously said a suspension would force him into early retirement. He has 20 days to appeal.

Lopez had accused referee Roberto Ramirez of betting on the fight after losing by technical knockout to Salido for a second time.

Lopez has asked for forgiveness and said he does not recall what he said or did after the fight until he saw a video of himself the following day.

Lopez is 31-2 with 28 knockouts.