ALBANY (New York), Nov 28: Middleweight James Butler, who sucker-punched his opponent after losing a decision last week, was suspended indefinitely by the New York State Athletic Commission on Tuesday.

Butler lost a 10-round decision last Friday on a boxing card held to benefit victims of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.

After the fight, which was the final one of the night, the boxers met in what usually ends with an embrace. But Butler punched a stunned Grant in the face with a bare fist and the crowd began to chant, “Lock him up.”

The 28-year-old Butler was immediately escorted from the ring and arrested and charged with assault before being released on his own recognisance.

Butler has 20 days to request a hearing for the suspension.—Reuters