"The Fighting Street Sweeper" Luis Lazarte Contemplates Retirement After Title Win

fight news.com Lazarte achieves elusive dream By Robert Coster Luis Lazarte’s story is an improbable tale that makes one believe that dreams do come true – if you believe enough in them. Saturday night in Argentina, hometown hero Lazarte, 39, became a world champion in his sixth try for a world crown. Lazarte (47-9-1, 18 KOs) became the IBF light flyweight champion by defeating Carlos Tamara by split decision. A pro for 14 years, the Argentinian veteran had been unsuccessful in previous title bids in three divisions: versus Kermin Guardia L12 (WBO light-flyweight title) 10/30/1999, Pongsaklek Wonjongkam KO2 (WBC flyweight title) 12/6/2001, Omar Narvaez DQ10 (WBO flyweight title) 9/13/2002, Edgar Sosa DQ10 (WBC light flyweight title) 9/26/2007, Daniel Reyes L12 (WBO minimumweight interim title) 7/17/2008. Before his unusual feat, the bald and wrinkled Lazarte, a street sweeper by profession, had mentioned that win or lose he would probably retire from boxing. Whether he does or not, Luis Lazarte made history Saturday night.