Paulus ‘Rock’ Ambunda has been removed from the International Boxing Organization’s rankings after the MTC Sunshine Academy failed to settle sanctions fees for his world title fight against Moises ‘Chucky’ Flores of Mexico in June.
Additionally, the IBO severed its ties with the academy and its chief promoter Nestor Tobias over the outstanding payment the sanctioning body announced on Monday.
Ambunda, who was ranked No.9, lost the IBO title in Windhoek by unanimous decision to the Mexican who also holds the WBA interim strap.
The MTC Sunshine Academy owes the IBO N$231 000 in sanctioning fees.
“With regret, the International Boxing Organization announces the immediate suspension of Nestor Tobias and Sunshine Productions as registered promoters of the IBO due to the failure to pay promoters sanction fees and registration fees for the title contest which took place on June 11th, 2016 in Windhoek, Namibia between Paulus Ambunda, IBO champion and Moises Flores, challenger,” said IBO President Ed Levine.
“The IBO also announces the removal and suspension of Paulus Ambunda (No. 9) from the IBO rankings due to the failure to pay the champions sanctions fees for the fight,”
Ironically, the World Boxing Organization yesterday endorsed the Namibian boxing establishment and Tobias for their sound operations after Saturday’s No Mercy IV bonanza in which Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses scored a points victory over Thompson Mokwana of South Africa to win the WBO Africa lightweight title.
Four other WBO Africa titles where contested for in Windhoek on Saturday.
“We are very happy with the manner in which the MTC Sunshine Promotions manages their affairs, always professional, and I can confidently say that Mr Tobias and the MTC Nestor Sunshine Promotions are without a doubt the leading Promoter in Africa at the moment,” said WBO Africa/Asia vice chairperson Samir Captan.
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