September 27, 2007	Thursday	Ramazan 14, 1428

KARACHI, Sept 26: International Boxing Association (AIBA) has severed its links with Pakistani boxing gear manufacturers Green Hill Corporation due to unknown reasons “stemming from its business history.”

The company, which had recently been battling hard to retain its position as AIBA licensee, has been told by AIBA that it would not be possible to continue the relationship.

“Out of consideration for its members, stakeholders, partners and the boxing community, AIBA has clarified its stance surrounding the Green Hill Corporation and its wish to be an AIBA licensee.

“In a letter to Green Hill, AIBA explained that it cannot accept it as an AIBA licensee due to a number of reasons stemming from its business history in the past. This decision was supported by the AIBA executive committee,” AIBA announced.

The boxing gear manufacturer has been warned that it should not refer the company as licensee of AIBA and should refrain from using logo of the international boxing body and licensing designation.

AIBA has instructed its affiliated bodies not to use Green Hill gear or other products at international level, although they could use its equipment domestically.

However, AIBA didn’t want to elaborate on the circumstances which led to ouster of the Pakistani company as licensee of the sport’s international body.

“With regards to Green Hill, there was an explanation given on the AIBA website saying ‘due to a number of reasons stemming from its business history in the past’ and that is all we can say on the matter out of respect for both parties,” Richard Baker, the AIBA communications manager, told Dawn from Lausanne.

Coincidentally the Pakistani company reigned supreme during the tenure of AIBA’s Pakistani president Anwar Chowdhry. Chowdhry, who is also Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) chairman, has been barred for life from any involvement with AIBA following corruption charges in June.

While the AIBA has refrained from divulging the details of the reasons, Green Hill had been under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

An AIBA executive committee member, Rudel Obreja had accused Chowdhry and his son-in-law Shakeel Durrani of receiving kickbacks from Green Hill last year. The reason of suspicion was the exchange of several e-mail messages between Shakeel and Green Hill officials.

Shakeel, also the PBF secretary, has openly admitted at a press conference that Green Hill had “generously extended financial help” to the PBF. During Chowdhry’s tenure as AIBA chief, the Pakistani firm won several contracts for supplying equipment at various major events including 2004 Athens Olympics.—Sports Reporter