Maba claims its pro boxers not restricted to Aiba bouts

Malawi Boxing Association (Maba) claims its professional boxers will not be restricted to bouts sanctioned by the entity’s world governing body International Boxing Association (Aiba).

Maba president Justice Katika made the claims on Tuesday at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC) during a press briefing to clarify “misconceptions” that Maba’s newly-established professional wing will not have freedom to fight in bouts outside Aiba’s jurisdiction.

However, Maba could not produce documented evidence to back the claim.

“During the last Aiba congress in Switzerland recently, it was agreed our professional boxers will be able to have fights in other sanctioning bodies such as World Boxing Council [WBC] and World Boxing Organisation [WBO] as long as we notify Aiba on time. Our professional boxers will also have promoters and managers,” Katika said.

When asked why they have decided to reintroduce a professional boxing committee when in 2013 Aiba told them to delink with a similar entity, which became Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB), and concentrate on amateur boxing, Katika said Aiba is now restructuring.

“Article 12 of Aiba constitution, which restricted us from being involved in professional boxing, was removed and we are now free to have the professional wing. Nevertheless, our main focus will be on developing and nurturing talent for prestigious events such as the Olympics and World Boxing Series,” he said.  n