National Muay Thai title belt returned after error

Sports

THE co-promoter of the Flash Muay Thai  show on Oct 2, Phoenix Promotions Limited, withdrew the PNG national light middleweight title from John Ake following his disputed win over Alphonse Kauga.
Flash Muay Thai principal and founder Lee Henry Garap said Kauga contended that referee Jamuga Stone and the judges had erred in awarding the fight Ake on points after only two rounds of the scheduled five.
Garap said Kauga appealed the decision claiming the fight ended prematurely  because of time constraints but the title should not have been awarded to either of the fighters.
“That was an unfortunate error and I don’t know what reallyhappened because I was preparing my title fight,” Garap said.
“I’ve spoken to Ake and Kauga on this decision and both have agreed to a rematch but a date is yet to be finalised, most likely next year.
“I’m not blaming Master Stone or the judges for the technical error but it was just unfortunate that the fight didn’t go the full five rounds,” the WKBF welterweight world champion said.
“It was an error by our technical team and I’ve already apologised to Ake and Kauga and the belt has been returned and we’re working at a date for the rematch,” the 34-year-old said.