Boxing Commission clarifies issues raised by trainer

Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) board member Eroni Loganimoce has clarified issues that were raised by Sydney-based trainer Lepani Wilson.

Loganimoce, who was also the ring the supervisor in the recent promotions said BCF did not release the scorecards to any trainer or boxer.

He referred to claim on an earlier BCF sanctioned programme on Saturday, March 28, between Aart Hooda (India) and Emma Nezbitt (NZ), which was reversed and awarded a draw.

“This was because Nesbitt’s manager later lodged an appeal on the decision (which are all part of the BCF rules and regulations), of which the appeal committee reconsidered and confirm that it was a genuine appeal. They reversed and re-announced the result as a draw,” he said.

The Suva lawyer said Blue Water Boxing Promotion’s main bout on May 23 in Lawaqa Park between James Singh and Senivalati Ratu- two judges (Aminiasi Finau and Prakash Chand) gave it to Ratu while judge Jone Loloma gave it to James, hence it was a split points decision in favour of Ratu.

“The two board members, Rahual Pillay and Moshil Khan along with referee Jone Loloma reviewed all the points before I released the results for announcement.

“James with his manageress (his wife) came claiming the result to be given to him which I read to him but I did not release (scorecards) as it was BCF property and confidential information. James claimed that scorecards were given to Nezbitt but it was news to me as I kept the scorecards.”

Loganimoce, a former national amateur boxing champion said BCF is a corporate and a neutral body empowered by the 2008 Boxing Commission Fiji Act and as board members, we manage and administer boxing according to its mandates mirrored by the Act.

“Furthermore, BCF has also established its boxing rules and regulations consistent with the NZ and Australian Boxing rules and regulations.”

Referring to the fight between Fredrick Chand and Aisea Naicovu, Loganimasi said the bout was declared “no contest” as the appeal committee decided that it happened in the first round as both boxers were attacking each other while in the process.

“Fredrick fell on the canvas and was punched at the same time. The BCF board will meet on Wednesday (today) to decide on Naicovu’s case.”

Loganimasi said the BCF is unaware of any Australian boxers not being paid their purse for fighting here as it was raised by Wilson.

“The claim regarding some Australian boxers who were not paid the boxing contract money is not true while no complaint was lodged with BCF regarding the issue and which promoter in particular are owing monies to Boxers.

“Our eminent challenge now is the quality of boxers, trainers, and managers with the need to know their specific roles and the BCF rules and regulations. BCF hopes to facilitate a two-day training on this. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the stakeholders on their concerns and their contributions towards improving boxing in Fiji,” he added.