Boxing bodies' merger takes a step forward<\/p>\n
BEKASI, West Java (JP): Indonesia's professional and amateur
\nboxing governing bodies are preparing for a joint New Year
\ncelebration as merger talks stepped up a gear yesterday.<\/p>\n
Indonesian Boxing Commission Chairman Hendropriyono said
\nyesterday that a more detailed draft of the organizations' joint
\nfuture would be presented at the professional boxing body's
\nannual meeting here next month.<\/p>\n
\"This plan must be realized as soon as possible for the sake
\nof the country's boxing development,\" Hendro said.<\/p>\n
Hendro's amateur counterpart Paul Toding shared the view,
\nsaying that discussions on the unification have so far proceeded
\nin a positive atmosphere. \"We always stand behind this idea.
\nThere may be some problems, but we will clear them up,\" Paul
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
A mixed team led by top brass from the two bodies was set up
\nearly this year to draw up a mutual arrangement for the
\nunification. Secretary-General Gordon Mogot represents the
\nIndonesian Boxing Commission while the Indonesian Amateur Boxing
\nAssociation named executive chairman Imron ZS as its speaker.<\/p>\n
Hendro and Paul met at the opening ceremony of the Atres
\nboxing arena yesterday. State Minister of Youth Affairs and
\nSports Hayono Isman dedicated the new sports facility which is
\nexpected to accommodate both amateur and professional boxing
\nactivities in greater Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Hayono joined the chorus, saying that unification would lead
\nIndonesian boxers to better international level achievements.
\n\"Most great boxers always have a lot of exposure in amateur
\ncompetitions,\" Hayono said.<\/p>\n
Hayono said that the government would refrain from intervening
\nin the discussions. \"The government will let the two boxing
\nbodies decide their own future, but it would be better if they
\nunite,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Unification is likely to be the memorable legacy of Hendro,
\nwho hinted yesterday at early resignation from the top post he
\nhas held for the past two years.<\/p>\n
\"I'm going to have a new job that will absorb most of my
\nenergy. I have reached the limit of my capability, therefore I
\ndon't want to risk failing to meet my new responsibilities,\" the
\nformer Jakarta Military commander said.<\/p>\n
Army Chief of Staff Gen. R. Hartono said last month that
\nHendro would be given a civilian posting as secretary of
\nDevelopment Operations.<\/p>\n
However, Hendro said that his farewell request to the boxing
\nbody would depend on the national plenary meeting. \"We abide by
\ndemocratic principles,\" he said. (amd)<\/p>",
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