Potts rebukes female boxer Sosa

IN RESPONSE to published accusations by female amateur boxer Tiana Sosa that he tried to deceive her, matchmaker Buxo Potts has come forward to rebuke the female fighter. Speaking on Monday, Potts recalled the conversation in question during which he offered her a shot at the vacant IBERO 140-lbs title in Bermuda on Novem-ber 15. Sosa, Potts alleged, revealed an interest in taking the fight but a conflicting interest in retaining her amateur status arose. Potts said he noted this and advised the Tigers Gym boxer that she can apply to the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Boxing Association to have two professional bouts and return to her amateur status.

Potts cited the case of Ruslan Chagayev of Uzbekistan, Russia  who, in 1996, participated in two professional bouts in the United States without authorisation from the amateur authorities and was penalised for his action having procured a gold medal in the 91 kg category at the World Amateur Championships in 1997. Chagayev was subsequently stripped of his medal, ordered to return the US $800 he received as a professional and suspended from all AIBA competition for 18 months coupled with a two-year probation. The penalties were as a result of Chagayev going against the will of the AIBA office in Berlin but having fulfilled these terms and conditions the boxer was permitted to compete in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, providing he qualified. Potts was of the view that Sosa is “building an emotional wall” in hopes of avoiding the bout with Giselle Martin, having been beneficiary of a dubious decision in their first bout.

On Monday he advised the boxer to gain fame through “achievement” and called on Sosa to offer a public apology for her statements hurting his reputation. He told Sosa to consult local AIBA authorities including Mike Jarvis, president of the local arm who recently endorsed a professional boxer in Turkey to be returned to his amateur status. Despite the war of words, Potts wished Sosa future success. Martin will go on with the title chase on November 15 in Bermuda against Monica Nunez of Santo Domingo but Potts has extended an offer for Sosa to meet Martin at the Arima Basketball Courts on November 8 as part of an amateur boxing card which will also feature two professionals and four or five amateur bouts. The four-round bout will serve as a warm-up ahead of Martin’s Bermuda appointment.