Boxing official seeks explanation for removal from Sukma

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 3): A top boxing official is seeking explanation from the relevant authority for his exclusion from the state squad competing in the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak last month.

Fabian Peter, who is the Tambunan District Boxing Association president, questioned his removal as the team manager despite after leading Sabah to winning four golds, six silvers and four bronzes in the Sarawak Open held in May.

“There were no reasons, no explanations from the (Sabah) Sukma Committee,” he claimed on Tuesday.

In Sukma, Sabah won one gold through female boxer Deirdra Jacquelina Richard in the minimum weight 45kg-48kg category, in addition to two silvers and five bronzes

The silvers were from Joel Evekly Jain in the men’s Featherweight (54kg-57kg) and Jonathan John in the men’s Light Middleweight (67kg-71kg).

As for the bronzes, the winners were Joel Chau in the men’s Flyweight (48kg-51kg), Aznee Suhayl Ariffin in the men’s Heavyweight (+86kg), Elize Sherly Lai Alfonso in the women’s Flyweight (48kg-52kg), Aelfred Eter Tohiron in the men’s minimum weight 45kg-48kg and Hallary Boy in the 57kg-60kg.

His exclusion apart, the failure of the men’s athletes to bring home gold did not go down well with Fabian, who is also a coach.

“I think this is the first time Sabah did not at least win one Sukma gold (in the men’s category)

“I was removed after leading the team to the Sarawak Open where we won four golds, six silvers and four bronzes.

“Gold medalists at the Sarawak Open Aelfred (best boxer) returned with a bronze, Joel and Jonathan lost 0-5 to settle for silvers while Nor Jazlan Jasni was eliminated in the quarterfinal.

“All the athletes were fit and expected (to deliver) at least one gold … they were to hit top form in Sukma.

“I don’t understand what has happened in Sukma … the (Sabah) Sukma Committee who replaced me should give an explanation,” concluded Fabian, who is a qualified international judge and referee.