IBO TAKES FIRM ACTION ON PROTEST
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 03 Sep 2008
The International Boxing Organization has taken firm action following a formal protest lodged by promoter Rodney Berman over the hugely controversial loss of South Africa?s Zolani Marali (19-2, 13 KO?s) to Australia?s Billy Dib (21-0, 11 KO?s) in a super featherweight title fight in Sydney last July.
The IBO acted on the protest and appointed neutral judges to score the fight by watching a videotape. The judges scored the fight in favor of Marali and the IBO ordered a rematch.
The Florida-based IBO said the rematch must take place within 90 days.
In the controversial decision, judge Kriangsok Thonghong scored it 116-112, Gary Dean 116-114 and Cherdchai Srirat 114-113 all for the 23 year old Dib despite Dib being knocked down in round three and generally out-fought by the 31 year old Marali, a former IBO super bantamweight champion.
The only complication is that Dib who is undefeated is scheduled to battle WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano on October 18 in Atlantic City.
Billy Dib celebrates.
Zolani Mirali.
Promoter Berman told Super Sport in South Africa he ?never doubted that Marali was given a raw deal in Australia and after the IBO?s ruling I feel vindicated.?
Berman said he?d like to stage the rematch in East London where Marali is a local hero but hinted that it could be held in Australia once again, depending on negotiations.
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