Boxins referee in hot water after coach’s dismissal

Press, 16 December 1988, Page 44

Boxins referee in hot water after coach’s dismissal

PA Auckland New Zealand’s controversial boxing official, Keith Walker, is back in hot water after yesterday’s rejection of the national team coach, Alan Scaife. Several boxing personalities have accused the Matamata paint shop owner of orchestrating the decision that has seen Mr Scaife replaced by

the Auckland chairman, John McKay, for next year’s Oceania tournament and the Commonwealth Games. Mr Scaife was dropped after a Boxing Association Council postal ballot. The disappointed Hutt Valley trainer was first to point the finger at Mr Walker after the ballot result was released yesterday.

“There appeared to be a lobby within the council against me. It is no secret that Keith Walker wanted me out of the job. It is disappointing.” The 56-year-old said his fate became obvious in October when the council voted to disband the national development squad he started 15 months ago. His views were echoed by a profes-

sional heavyweight champion, Lance Revill, who trained this year’s highly successful Auckland national tournament team. “Keith Walker is obviously behind the change. He still wields the power on the New Zealand council. It will be a disaster for boxing.” Revill called for Mr Walker to be

: dismissed from the national council. Mr Walker denied involvement in any plot to replace Mr Scaife with Mr McKay. I “It’s a load of hogswash. All I did • was exercise the one vote I was > entitled to in a secret ballot,” he said. Mr Walker said Mr McKay was well > qualified to coach the national team.