WBC PRESIDENT MAURICIO SULAIMAN BELIEVES A MAJOR OVERHAUL OF AMATEUR BOXING IS NEEDED
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 18 Aug 2016
World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman believes a major overhaul of amateur boxing is absolutely essential although he concedes that ?if the priority is commercial, it's going to be very difficult to establish any changes because the way AIBA is going, there?s no turning back and it's threatening the structure for kids around the world.? Sulaiman made the comments in an interview with well-known journalist James Blairs in Mexico City.
Impressed by the courage, dedication and efforts of the Olympians, Sulaiman is deeply disappointed by the way the Rio Olympic boxing tournament and infrastructure is being handled or mis-handled.
At his weekly press conference the WBC president said ?it's high time for a better and more coordinated approach.?
Sulaiman referred to the lack of head guards which has resulted in several boxers suffering cuts that has jeopardized their progress at the Olympics and said ?it's difficult because of a boxer is cut in his first bout then they have almost no chance of getting to a final. He said ?it is indeed dramatic. In the later stages of the boxing I saw two very big cuts happen and it changes the format of the competition. It is a decision which goes against safety. Human nature likes excitement but we are for safety.?
Expressing his hope that boxing will come out in a positive light from the Olympics, the WBC president noted that ?so many things have been done wrong that we need to continue addressing them.?
He conceded it?s a difficult situation and pointed out that ?for years we have been voicing our specific concerns and its impact on the sport as a whole. We have offered support, we have offered a platform to work together but it has been rejected and certain things have been implemented that go directly against the sport and especially against the athletes.?
While there has been a lot of controversy over the level of judging and refereeing in the Olympics, Sulaiman admitted that ?it's not easy. Boxing is a sport of appreciation. There have been so many scandals in the past. Hopefully boxing will come out positively in the end.?
Meantime, the AIBA has announced that unnamed referees and judges who have not performed at the level expected will no longer officiate at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The organization cites ?less than a handful? of decisions in the 239 bouts contested meet that description. No results will be reversed.
With regard to allegations of corruption, the AIBA states ?unless tangible proof is put forward, not rumors, we will continue to use any means, including legal or disciplinary actions,? but welcomes parties to come forward to provide evidence.
The AIBA stated that ?following recent judging decisions and after carrying out a thorough examination by the relevant Commission, AIBA has decided to take immediate and appropriate actions.
Since the beginning of the Olympic Games, AIBA has conducted 239 bouts. The AIBA Referees and Judges Commission has reviewed all decisions and determined that less than a handful of the decisions were not at the level expected and consequently it has been decided in accordance with the AIBA R&J evaluation committee that the concerned referees and judges will no longer officiate at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. In accordance with AIBA Rules the result of all the bouts will stand.
AIBA represents 200 National Federations and has continuously sought to evolve the sport of boxing and continuously strive to ensure a level playing field. AIBA will not shy away from its responsibilities and is fully committed to a zero tolerance policy towards fair play in boxing, always acting in the boxers? utmost interest. The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of all sports and Boxing has been part of this since 1904. It is essential AIBA stands to the values of respect, sportsmanship, excellence and remains committed to a fair and transparent sport.
With regard to corruption, AIBA said it will ?strongly restate that unless tangible proof is put forward, not rumours, we will continue to use any means, including legal or disciplinary actions to protect our sport and its R&J community whose integrity is constantly put into question. The organization will not be deterred by subjective judgments made by discontented parties. We welcome all parties to come forward and provide evidence in order to take appropriate and immediate action.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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