Maba challenges Aiba on suspension

The Malawi Boxing Association (Maba) has challenged its suspension by the International Boxing Association (Aiba) over alleged breach of statutes.

Maba general secretary Mbachichi Nyirenda confirmed on Monday that some of the grounds on which Aiba based the suspension were faulty, hence, the challenge.

Aiba is yet to respond.

“We asked for the statutes from Aiba and having gone through them, we have already appealed having noted shortfalls,” explained Nyirenda.

He cited Aiba’s restriction that said only those who were not involved in professional boxing in the last five years must hold Maba’s position as, until last year, unrealistic.

“We have corrected some of the things, but on the position that you must not be affiliated to any other boxing organisation, that was not possible as Maba was, until last year, the only boxing organisation in Malawi hence every boxing association was contacting us,” said Nyirenda.

Aiba suspended indefinitely Maba with effect from July 15 2014 for what it called serious breaches of the statutes during elections held in Liwonde in January while further warned that “this provisional suspension will be running as long as new elections are not organised to Aiba’s entire satisfaction and as per the Aiba statutes and by-laws.”

Aiba is unhappy that Maba officials were involved in professional boxing in the last five years, which is against Aiba statutes.

“The provisional suspension takes effect immediately. During the period of the provisional suspension, no officials, boxers or coaches shall be entitled to participate in any boxing competition at any level.”

Maba president Henry Sakala confirmed the suspension, but argued that officials served professional boxing until last year when Maba delinked from the Malawi Professional Boxing Committee headed by Lonzoe Zimba.

During the elections, promoter Mbachichi Nyirenda was elected general secretary while judge Elson Mankhomwa was elected vice-secretary unopposed.