`I just want to go in peace’

President of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Associa-tion (GABA) Affeeze Khan has announced his resignation from the post with immediate effect.

Speaking exclusively with Stabroek Sport, Khan said that the lack of support and ‘fight down’ he has been getting from several gyms affiliated to the GABA was the main contributing factor to his decision.

Affeeze Khan

“You know I think it is in the best interest of the sport that I just walk away at the moment. Because I did a lot for this sport and God knows I did, I’ve really tried but over the past year or so I have been getting some serious ‘fight down’ from some gyms and so on. So I think I need to be away from the sport for the betterment of it,” Khan related.

In a letter sent to the honorary secretary of GABA, Otis Van Lewin, Khan said, “It is with greatest regret that I feel compelled to relinquish with immediate effect my position as the GABA president. Whilst our country’s amateur boxing programme remains near and dear to my heart, I can no longer afford to ignore the debilitating effect of my health occasioned by the continuous level of activity required to effectively administer the association.”

Khan who also heads the Rotary Club of Georgetown said that he will now devote his time to those who honestly need it and they are the children with disabilities.

“Well right now I would just be dealing with the disabled children you know. I think they would cherish what I am doing for them, you know, so that’s what I would be doing from now on. But I can’t say how much this is regretful to me,” Khan said.

In the letter to Van Lewin, Khan did say that it was indeed a privilege and pleasure to have been able to serve alongside many of the venerable stalwarts of the sport and he thanked all who have embraced and supported the sport of amateur boxing during his tenure.

“I also extend and ask that you convey on my behalf, my thanks to the Honorable Minister of Sport and the ministry for their kind and generous support,” Khan stated in his resignation letter.

“You know, there is nothing bad people can say about Affeeze Khan, I took this office in 2006 and regained the office last year. I know what I did for this sport and some fighters personally, so I would walk away very quietly. I don’t want any problems with anyone, you know, no cross talking, I just want to go in peace…but I have enjoyed my time here and I wish who would come after me all the success,” the former GABA boss added.