Boxing Appointments
Newly appointed directors could help clean-up the sport
The Ministry of Sport is expected to announce the new directors of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) this week. The newly- appointed BCF directors had met in Suva last week where they went through the boxing promulgation and what is needed to be done.
Former BCF president Bulutani Mataitawakilai has resigned, a few months ago. It is understood that academic Dr Subhash Appana, is taking over from him.
The Taveuni man had been closely following boxing in the country for over three decades and was once a regular boxing columnist.
Also, likely to join the BCF director is Fiji Sports Council chief executive officer Litiana Loabuka. Her presence will be welcomed by promoters who are wanting to stage their promotion in Suva but are unable to do so due to the high cost of venues.
Others tipped to join BCF is businessman and Lami Kava managing director Donny Yee.
Nadi businessman Usman ‘Lale’ Ali is the only member from the previous board who is likely to be retained.
When some of them were approached they declined to make a comment indicating that the proper authority would only issue a statement of their appointment.
It is understood that the newly BCF directors are going look into a few concerns that have marred the progress of the sport. These are issues like:
■Boxers not honouring the contracts they sign by not meeting the weight requirements.
■Match-making process of boxers to avoid mis-matches which lead to serious injuries that could be fatal.
■Poor record of local boxers fighting in Australia with Silveni Nawai being the latest victim as he was knocked out in the second round by Daniel Lewis last Friday night in NSW, Australia. So far only one local boxer has won in Australia while more than 20 have lost this year.