After the boxing scandal

Martial arts legend takes up the cudgels for Kosashvili

Following the scandal at the boxing match in the Steffl Arena last Saturday, a martial arts legend has spoken out. The multiple Thai boxing world champion Fadi Merza recently made a successful debut as a classic boxer himself. Now he is taking up the cudgels for Isaak Kosashvili. The trainer's fuses blew after the fight.

"We all make mistakes. Unfortunately, Isaak can't undo his either. But he deserves the chance to prove that he is a good person," said martial arts legend Fadi Merza, taking up the cudgels for his long-time friend and boxing coach Isaak Kosashvili.

Fadi was present as a TV commentator in the Steffl Arena on Saturday. When Kosashvili's protégé Elsaev lay unconscious on the floor during the European Championship fight and his victorious opponent made vulgar gestures. The coach's fuses blew and, as reported, he attacked his opponent.

The incident casts a bad light on the sport of boxing and destroys a lot of positive things that have been created in recent years - especially in Vienna through the Bounce Fight Night events. "It pains me personally that Isaak is now being portrayed so negatively," says multiple Thai boxing world champion Merza, who is preparing for his next fight in the fall after his successful debut as a classic boxer. "I've known Isaak for 20 years, he works with me as a trainer. He does so much good in youth work, always brings out top athletes."