Boxer Fuad stopped in semis, laments bias referee calls

MANILA, Dec 6  -- National boxer, Muhamad Fuad Mohd Redzuan's SEA Games gold medal defence ended in bronze, following his semifinal defeat at the Philippines International Convention Centre, today.

The 28-year-old lost the battle in the Under-49kg category to home fighter Carlo Paalam 5-0 by unanimous decision after getting a bye in the quarterfinals. 

Carlo is the same opponent he ousted at the 2017 KL Games semifinals enroute to the gold. 

However, when met after the bout, Muhamad Fuad was not happy with the result and claimed the referee was biased in his calls, especially in the early rounds.

"Those calls affected my performance and I only got back my focus in the third round, but it was too late.

"Boxing is like this. If it is not the judges, then it the referee will do it when we fight host nation boxers,” he said.

After fighting in the U-49kg for 10 years, Muhamad Fuad wanted to move up to the heavier U-52kg to try punch his way for Olympics qualifications, as the lower category is not listed in the Olympics.

Meanwhile, another national boxer, Aswan Che Azmi also lost to another Philippines opponent, Feliz Marcia Eumir through a first round stoppage call in the men's U-75kg category. 

-- BERNAMA