MPBCB seeks IBF explanation in Masamba bout
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) has demanded an explanation from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) for allowing judges and a referee from Namibia to officiate Wilson Masamba’s title bout against Albinus Felesiamu from the same country last Wednesday.
The two fought for the IBF Continental Africa lightweight belt in Ondangwa, Namibia where Felesiamu emerged the winner.
The Namibian was declared winner on points decision.
In a letter addressed to the IBF president, MPBCB president Lonzoe Zimba said that while they were meant to believe that one of the judges was from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), they later established that he is from Namibia.
“We were told that one of the officials was from DRC, but according to our findings it the official is also from Namibia and is affiliated to Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board [NPBWCB],” reads part of the letter dated August 28 2015.
And in an interview on Monday, Zimba said: “We also have seen the video footage of the fight and it is clear that Wilson Masamba had an upper hand. So, we are surprised and suspicious as to how the decision was arrived at.”
Three other Malawian boxers—Aubrey Masamba, Felix Mwamaso and Charles Misanjo—who featured on the same undercard against Namibians Joseph Hilongwa, Lucas Ndafoluma and Johannes Mwatepunga respectively, also lost their bouts on points.
