BY SEGUN OLANREWAJU
Following a petition by the camp of Yusuf Olalekan ‘Omo West’ Mohammed against the decision of ring judges in his Flyweight challenge contest fight with Sifon ‘Best’ Iwatt at the GOTV Boxing Night 29, the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) after a careful review of the fight has declared it a no contest.
Mohammed’s Coach, had petitioned the sanctioning body on the decision of the judges which awarded the closely contested fight to his boxer’s opponent, describing it as a miscarriage of justice and calling for a review; insisting his boxer won the fight.
This prompted the board to constitute an independent arbiter who after watching a replay of the fight declared it a no contest.
Speaking on the decision, President of Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Dr. Rafiu Oladipo said the board decided on the review because it wanted to give both parties fair hearing, positing that by the decision, both boxers will now meet in a title fight at the next GOTV Boxing night just as he commended the petitioner for following due process in pursuing their case instead of instigating their fans to cause mayhem after the fight.
He promised that the board will always be fair to all boxers as that will help the growth of the game.
“When we received the petition, we decided to invite independent arbiters who after watching a replay of the fight gave us their judgement which guided us in our decision.
“The decision we took was in the best interest of the game as it was fair to both boxers and I’m happy that all the parties were satisfied with our decision.
Also speaking, Secretary General of NBB of C, Remi Aboderin noted that the board will continue to be fair to all in its plans to move professional boxing forward in the country.
Coaches of the two boxers in their separate remarks, commended the boxing body for the bold decision; saying that it will help to build confidence on the boxers and coaches.
” We’re really happy with the way the board handled the petition and the decision taken.
” This has shown that the board is not biased and has the interest of the game at heart, and we want to appeal to coaches to always follow due process in registering their grievances instead of resorting to self-help or instigating their fans which is not good for the game”, they chorused.
