Temuzin Rambing, managing director of TR Promotion based in Semarang, Indonesia said he was extremely happy that his efforts to convince the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) general assembly meeting at the Manila Hotel during the 4th World Boxing Council (WBC) convention Nov. 7-11 to admit the fledgling Indonesia Boxing Association (IBA) as new member was unanimously supported by Filipino delegates in attendance.
But the biggest support came from Australian delegate Brad Vocale who picked up the cudgels for the IBA by explaining that there is a need to accept IBA as OPBF?s new member as represented by Rambing even if the OPBF had earlier recognized the government-run Indonesian Boxing Commission (IBC).
Rambing said IBA is managed by a private group and has its own set of ratings independent of the IBC.
WELCOME TO OPBF! Officials and members of OPBF pose after the conclusion of its 46th meeting at the Manila Hotel Nov. 14 where they agreed to accept Indonesian Boxing Association (IBA) as provisional member. PHOTO By ALEX P. VIDAL
When asked to comment by OPBF president Frank Quill, Chandru Lalwani, member of the WBC finance committee and the only other Indonesia delegate present, refused to make a stand and did not openly endorse Rambing?s representation of IBA as he confirmed the existence of IBC ?which is still active member (of the OPBF).?
Joe Koizumi of Japan expressed concern that since the IBA has its separate ratings for Indonesian boxers, it may create confusion among matchmakers from other member countries that might want to book ?rated? Indonesia boxers.
Rambing, however, assured the assembly that he would convince organizers of IBA to regular submit updated ratings to the OPBF and other matchmakers concerned, including its financial status, among other important documents.
When nobody opposed Rambing?s application for IBA, Koizumi suggested that IBA be admitted only temporarily as provisional member.
Filipinos in attendance who expressed tacit support for IBA?s membership were Games and Amusement Board (GAB) boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz, former GAB boxing chief Noli Flores, Bruce McTavish, Alex Vidal, Gabriel ?Bebot? Elorde, Jr., Porferio Clavel, Jun Sarreal, and Teddy Alivio.
Comments
Share your thoughts on the above article by Alex P. Vidal.