03 Sep. 2015- Nadim Salloum, the boxing champion has released a statement.
You can read it below:
“The feeling of injustice is far worse than the feeling of loss. When you lose, you can always put the finger on the problem and move forward: maybe you didn’t work hard enough, maybe your opponent was simply too strong, or maybe it’s just not your time yet. The feeling of injustice is far worse because it makes you feel totally helpless. You did what you needed to do in order to win, but something happened that’s beyond your control and you were suddenly disqualified. Your dream crushed. You spent months losing sleep and obsessing over this championship; you spent endless hours in the gym sweating, bleeding, crying; you’ve clashed with your family over your life plans, for choosing a dangerous sports career rather than an academic one; you’ve sacrificed precious and fun times out drinking and partying with your friends because you had to go to bed at 10 P.M and wake up at 5 A.M for that first morning jog.
And then one referee makes a doubtful call and your whole world falls apart.
I am deeply frustrated for not having qualified to the semi-finals of the Asian Boxing Championship. Granted, my opponent Waheed Abdelredha was an experienced veteran, bronze medalist of the last Asian Championship and the most decorated Iraqi boxer ever, but I knew that I could still beat him. Looking back at the scorecards, I even realized that the judges had given me the first round. Granted, my second round wasn’t as good and I did take a few punches and did deserve the first 8-count. But when the referee called the second 8-count after an exchange I was very surprised (you can even see me asking him: “me?” in the video), and I was even more shocked when he decided to call the fight off and disqualify me, knowing that I was still in perfect shape to fight and was looking forward to continue and to win.
Who knows what would have happened in the third round? But at least I did deserve that chance. I feel cheated, angry, and deeply disappointed. For myself, for my coaches, for my family and friends, and all the beautiful supporters that have been swarming me with love. I am disappointed and sorry for all of us.
I do not intend to say anything bad about the very respectable AIBA and ASBC – I salute their efforts and professionalism all along. Their great organizers, their professional judges, and their competent referees have been amazing all along. But bad calls happen in sport all the time – it’s just really sad when it happens to you. I just needed to express my frustration and won’t saying anything more about this fight and disqualification. The video is here for anyone to watch and be the judge for themselves.
A big thank you to my great coaches Tony and Charbel Khoury without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today, especially Tony who saw something in me and believed in my potential when I was just a chubby and lost 13-year-old kid. And I want to thank all of you guys for the overwhelming support. I’m still 21 years old and improving every day. This was only my first participation in the Asian Boxing Championship and I’m already proud to be one of the top 8 fighters of Asia. This is just the beginning of my journey and it’s now my duty to recover and bounce back from this disappointing chapter and come back stronger than ever. And I will. You have my word. I will be making you all proud.”
Nadim Salloum
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