Boxer who kissed reporter has suspension lifted after $2,500 fine, sexual harassment training
Kubrat Pulev’s suspension for kissing a reporter during a post-fight interview was unanimously lifted on Monday, per the Associated Press.
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) lifted the indefinite suspension after he paid a $2,500 fine and completed the sexual harassment prevention training it mandated he take. The commission determined that any future offenses would result in a lifetime ban in North America, per the AP.
The Bulgarian fighter was suspended after his March 23 victory over Bogdan Dinu in Costa Mesa, California. After concluding a post-fight video interview he grabbed Vegas Sports Daily contributor Jenny Ravalo by the face and kissed her. He also inappropriately touched her, she said.
Ravalo posted the interview and pursued legal action through her attorney, who requested an investigation from the CSAC. The initial suspension was for six months and it was later extended indefinitely in May with caveats of the fine and training. The $2,500 was the largest the state can give.
“I would like this to be a teachable moment rather than take away a fighter’s ability to make a living,” CSAC commissioner Martha Shen-Urquidez told The Los Angeles Times in March.
Pulev (27-1, 14 KOs) apologized at the May hearing, saying he realized he “made a mistake” and “set a bad example.”
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