World Boxing Assocaition (WBA) Oceania president Ferlin Marsh has confirmed they are reviewing video footage of the fight between New Zealand’ John Parker and Fiji’s Alivereti Kauyaca in Hamilton last week.
Responding to RNZ Pacific via email, Marsh said he has sought the assistance of four international boxing judges in reviewing the footage and giving their opinions in response to a complaint lodged by Farmaan Ali, Kauyaca’s trainer/manager.
Ali had written to the WBA Oceania president Marsh, calling for a declaration of ‘no contest’ and demanding a re-match for his boxer, challenging the split-point decision win awarded to Parker.
Two judges gave the fight to Parker, awarding him the WBA Oceania cruiserweight title, while one scored for Kauyaca.
“Yes I have received the complaint from Mr Ali re the decision of the fight between John Parker (NZ) and Alvereti Kauyaca (Fiji), which took place last Sat at the Glowbox Arena – Hamilton,” he said.
“I actioned the complaint straight away once I recieved and reviewed the fight. We, WBA Oceania take exception to the phrase “robbed” in any of our title fights, hence why I asked Mr Ali to send me a copy of the fight.
“Last night I reviewed the fight and then took the proper directive by asking another four International boxing judges to view and send me their scores. One has already replied with his, while the others have till the end of the week to send me theirs.”
Marsh said boxing is a contentious sport and a close fight will always make someone unhappy.
“Unless there is a clear knockout (KO), invariably someone will not be happy with their fighter losing,” he said.
Ali claims the two judges who awarded the fight to Parker – Arden Fatu and Joshua Niyka – had made a ‘hometown decision against Kauyaca”.
He said the decision was “totally” biased and “people are perplexed by the decisions”.
He questioned the WBA’s decision to select the duo as judges for the fight as well.
John Parker’s team have not responded to questions sent to them.
