Assault leaves fight in doubt

 RICKSON Yamo’s scheduled bout against a Thai opponent on Friday in Port Moresby is in jeopardy.

Yamo, who is supposed to fight on the undercard of Lee Garap’s WKBF Muaythai welterweight title bout, has sought medical treatment for facial injuries and a badly bruised left foreram. 

Yamo, who has fought professionally as a boxer and kickboxer, said he was unsure if he would be in the best condition for his bout but was committed to fight regardless.

The 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games boxer claims he was beaten by police officers at Gordon’s market around midday on Sunday.

Yamo claimed members of the Dog Unit stationed at McGregor Barracks outside Port Moresby had been in the process of removing  illegal vendors when the assualt took place.

The man from the Sandaun and Hela provinces said he was set upon by at least eight policemen who took turns punching him or whipping him with a car’s fan-belt.

Yamo sporting a cut lip, visible bruises to his head and two protruding lumps near his wrist, said he was attacked like a criminal.

 He said during the raid his nephew, a fifth grade student at Wildlife Community School, allegedly had his mobile phone taken from him and came to him (Yamo) for help.

Yamo said when he approached the police officers they shouted abuse at him and attacked him.

“They even attempted to grab my phone but I resisted despite the number of blows I received. It was hard to retaliate as I respect the law and the uniform,” he said.

“I don’t think I can trust them anymore as this could cost me a chance to put food on the table if I’m ruled unfit to take the ring,” Yamo said.

He added that the police were in three vehicles, a 10-seater and two double-cabs with the number plates, 074 ZPD, 079 ZPD and 079 LPD.

He said he had since placed a complaint at Six-Mile Police Station.