Haikali Comments IRK ‘The Hitman’

Sheefeni Nikodemus

17 June 2011

WBO Africa lightweight Martin Haikali appears to have raffled the feathers compatriot and former lightweight world champion Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses with comments he made in a local sport monthly publication.

Haikali is quoted as saying he would easily dispatch of ‘Hitman’ and the man who dethroned him as WBA lightweight world champion, Miguel Acosta. His comments have not gone down well with Moses or the rest of the crew at the Nestor Sunshine Fitness and Boxing Academy, least of all Nestor Tobias.

However Haikali, who is also the national lightweight champion, told The Namibian Sport that he was misquoted, was not looking to fight or “disrespect” his “brother”. He added that the and that the article – published last month – is causing divisions within his camp and could derail his ambitions.

“I did not say that I will beat ‘Hitman’,” said Haikali. “How can I say that?

“Me and Hitman are brothers. Now the guys don’t trust me because of this story.

“This is not good for me.”

Moses said that there was no rift between himself and Haikali, his occasional sparring partner, but did not rule out the possibility that the former could be indirectly daring a challenge.

“Maybe he said it,” said Moses. “I don’t know. I was not there.

“If he feels like that then what can I do?”

Tobias, who promotes both boxers, said Haikali’s comments where careless and showed he was ungrateful to the man who had helped push his career.

“How can you talk like this?,” Tobias said. “We built him from the money that ‘Hitman’ generated.

He’s insulting the guy that made him.”

With regard to a possible showdown between the pair, Tobias said Haikali needed to significantly up his game and move to a rival stable.

Despite the disharmony, Tobias said he would continue to promote Haikali.

“If he wants to fight ‘Hitman’ than he must earn it. They are not even even on the same level. He is not even world rated.”

AllAfrica – All the Time