Mumbai: Venky’s Mumbai Fighters boxers were in for a surprise, a rather pleasant one, while preparing hard for their crucial match against LA Matadors in USA on February 13, 2012. The match now stands cancelled as World Series of Boxing (WSB) declared it in favour of Mumbai Fighters and awarded them three points. With this development, the Fighters have taken a step closer to qualify for the Quarterfinals.
WSB in their statement said: “Following the recent changes to its management structure, LA Matadors is currently not in a position to host a home match that would meet the required World Series of Boxing standards.”
The much required 3 points from the match for both teams have now fallen in the kitty of Fighters as their points tally will reach 14 when the points table will be updated on Monday. The development has made Mumbai Fighters’ road to the quarterfinals easier.
The Mumbai franchise was standing fourth with 11 points in Group A. Matadors remains fifth with 10 points followed by Bangkok Elephants in sixth place. Even if Matadors win its last match against Bangkok Elephants, it can gain 3 more points maximum and would still stand at fifth position with 13 points.
Group A leaders are Milano Thunder, followed by Dynamo Moscow and Astana Arlans. Top four teams from group A and group B will qualify for the quarterfinal stage.
Fighters’ technical director Joe Clough said the team trained harder than always for this match since their quarterfinal qualifying chances were dependent on winning this match. “I never expected it to be so easy. The door is now open for our team and we must set up the plate,” Clough said.