The boxing scandal on Saturday night is spreading widely in the martial arts scene. After the repeated and sincere apology from Elsaev coach Kosashvili, there is understanding for the emotions. But there is also criticism. A balancing act.
The Vienna district newspaper was there live in Kagran on the scandal evening in “Rocky” style. The ambitious Viennese Mansur Elsaev fought like a lion against the Spaniard Carlos Lamela for the European title. And was ahead in terms of points after 10 rounds – this was also confirmed by the Thai boxing legend Fadi Merza, who recently celebrated his debut as a classic boxer and was a specialist commentator in Kagran.
Borderline scenes in the ring
But then came round 11, in which Elsaev went down twice and was badly injured. In the 12th round, only one punch from Lamela was needed to knock him out. Then the scandal: The Spaniard made several obscene gestures towards the audience. And that left the fuses of Elsaev coach Isaac Kosashvili run away - he attacked the Spaniard in the ring, a mass brawl between supervisors and fans followed. Luckily everything cleared up again after ten minutes and no one was injured.
Great dismay
A disgrace for boxing, which is fighting hard for recognition. The severely scarred Elsaev apologized via Instagram on Sunday. Now coach Isaak Kosashvili spoke up: “I would like to sincerely apologize to everyone involved and to all fans for the incident on April 20th. I have been a licensed boxing trainer for 16 years and specialize in working with professionals and youth. I have been in the ring as a supervisor in over 1000 fights and nothing like this has ever happened before.” And further: “I made a big mistake.” The new title holder Lamela obviously doesn't hold any grudges for Kosashvili. “Carlos and I apologized to each other for our behavior on site afterwards. We are still in friendly contact.”
Criticism from Nader, understanding from Merza
The boxing scene reacts differently. Fadi Merza showed understanding for Kosashvili in the Kronen Zeitung. Thai boxing trainer also puts things into perspective Marco Fidanzia, who has known Kosashvili for years: “Everyone can make a mistake. Isaak is not a bad guy, I can only say the best about him.” Bounce boxing club boss and ex-professional Marcos Nader However, he sees great damage to the scene: “I travel a lot to schools and districts and convey the values of our sport to young people. I always tell people that respect and discipline are important and are taught through our sport. And then an incident like this happens,” said Marcos Nader in an interview with the Vienna District Gazette. “Something like this simply shouldn’t happen. We are role models.”
Mansur Elsaev fought like a lion in the ring - but it wasn't enough against Carlos Lamela (Image: Steiner)
Bounce boss Marcos Nader in the middle of his Ottakringer young people during training: “I want to convey respect and discipline through our sport.” (Image: Diesner)
