Romanian fighters get life bans after shoplifting spree

Bangkok, Oct 29: Three Romanian boxers have been given life bans after they were caught shoplifting in a plush Chicago department store during the world amateur championships.

Marius Bogdan Dinu, 21, Ronald Gavril, 21, and Gabriel Julian Stan, 20, were caught red-handed on Friday and have already been sent home, the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) said in a statement.

''This misbehaviour tarnishes the image and reputation of AIBA and the sport of boxing,'' AIBA president Wu Ching-kuo said.

''The measures AIBA has taken are a strong illustration of the new AIBA and its zero tolerance for misbehaviour inside or outside of the ring.'' Romania's boxing chief Rudel Obreja has already issued a public apology for the incident, the AIBA said.

The world championships are the last major international boxing event before next year's Olympics in Beijing.

Reuters>