MIKE KIZZA'S CHALLENGE TO NICKY COOK

FOR THE THE FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE COMMONWEALTH

04.05 - Uganda's Michael Kizza (18 wins to 2 losses) is indeed a patient man. Thwarted from his goal of fighting Scott Harrison by Harrison's elevation to world title honours, Kizza's achievement of winning the African Boxing Union Super Featherweight title in August 2002 justifiably led to his inclusion in the Featherweight commonwealth rankings that were issued at the end of October 2002.

(Despite his Super Featherweight title, Kizza is a bona Fide Featherweight)

However when it came to nominating the combatants to challenge for Harrison's vacated title Kizza's name was inexplicably missing. British Featherweight Nicky Cook was matched with the Zimbabwean Mishek Kondowane, a capable pugilist but one lacking the credentials possessed by Michael Kizza.

As things transpired, Cook managed to overcome Kondowane in the title match.

Before this bout Kizza's London representative attempted to solicit answers to the following questions:

· On what criteria did the commonwealth Board rely upon when nominating Kondowane above Michael Kizza as a designated opponent for the Commonwealth Featherweight championship?

· Will the Board be willing to make clear to Mr. Kizza where he stands in terms of a mandatory defence of the winner of the Cook-Kondiwane contest?

Alas, Simon Block has neglected to respond. This since January 2003.

At the same time enquiries were made to Team Cook one of whom intimated that "if Nicky comes through (the Kondowane bout)" a match would be made with Kizza.

Again, no positive responses have emanated from Jess Harding, Cooks promoter.

To continue to deny Michael Kizza a title shot is nothing short of a scandal and a travesty of justice. The British and Commonwealth governing bodies who have prided themselves, as institutions guided by traditions of fair play cannot sustain such a reputation if the likes of Michael Kizza are continually denied their dues.

For further information please contact
Ade Makinde at email: thelawacademy@aol.com
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