WBO investigates Baloyi fracas

By: SHEEFENI NIKODEMUS

THE World Boxing Organisation is investigating Cassius ‘The Hitman’ Baloyi and his corner for their role in an alleged post-fight bust-up with an official after the South African lost out on the WBO international lightweight strap to Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses in Windhoek on Saturday.

The fracas began when Baloyi and his corner reportedly assaulted South African referee Jaap van Niewenhuizen, who oversaw his unanimous points defeat to Moses, which prompted fight promoter Nestor Tobias to seek police intervention.
“There was a bit of an incident after the fight between the Baloyi camp and one of the judges which is currently being investigated by me,” WBO fourth Vice President and executive member Andrew Smale confirmed to The Namibian Sport yesterday.  Tobias feels Baloyi and his crew are sore losers.
“We cannot work with people like that,” he said. “We know it was a big fight with big benefits for the winner. But the fight was fair.
The judges are independent and appointed by the WBO.”
According to Smale, the ringside decisions were consistent with the action between the ropes.
“Of course it was a tremendous evening for the Namibian boxing public with all four Namibian boxers getting deserved victories over their illustrious international opponents,” Smale said. “Paulus Moses put up a spirited performance and was value for money in coming away with a victory against one of South Africa’s greatest pugilists in Cassius Baloyi. Paulus Ambunda has announced his arrival as the top challenger for the WBO Bantamweight trinket and will surely be getting his shot in the next few months.” Smale also said he was satisfied with the overall running of the event.
“As far as the show was concerned, it was one of the best attended tournaments in Africa that I have attended in a long time and the boxers did not disappoint,” said Smale.

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