The 86th ABA Men & Women Clifford cup Boxing Championships 2013 came to a conclusion on 29th August 2013 at the Suagathadasa Indoor stadium
A massive number of boxers from Army, Navy and Air Force and clubs affiliated to MAS Holdings, projecting outstanding combats throughout five long days. Commencing on the 25th August with 142 male entries representing 24 clubs, and 55 female entries representing 14 clubs, the tournament ended Thursday evening amidst much victory and celebration.
Anuruddha Rathnayake of Slimline, the return of the Olympic champion was the most awaited moment at the Clifford’s this year. The spectators were set in awe and surprise with his return to the arena where he was welcomed with much sportsmanship and respect. The bout between Rathnayaka and P D Suresh, ironically from the same Club, was the most awaited bout in the finals where it was recognized as the battle between champions. P D Suresh climbed the victory stand as the best boxer of the tournament and was awarded the H K Karunathilake Challenge trophy, whilst the Olympian was defeated tactfully.
The fight between Damith Wijerathne and M Y M Dilshan was a bout where luck came in to play. M Y M Dilshan of Air Force defeating Wijerathne of Slimline, acquired his place as the winner leaving the crowd in disappointment and amazement. The champions were equally talented but the victory of Dilshan was “luck by chance.” though Damith was unfortunately defeated, his outstanding performances made him acquire the best loser title.
The usual battle between N G S Jayaweera of Slimline, and W T R Weerakkody of Army was witnessed with much interest. With the unfortunate injury of Weerakkody, Jayaweera became champion of the bout.
R G S Kumarasinghe of Navy the former National Champion of 69 Kg who competed under the 64Kg weight category, made a change in his entry by competing under the 60Kg category. R M A B Gunathilake of Slimline B was defeated by Kumarasinghe, who also was titled as a National champion in a previous year. A display of wonderful techniques and straight punches was witnessed during this combat.
One of the most aggressive boxers in the tournament, M A Divarathne, the former champion of the Army was unconditionally beaten by a fresh entrant, G H G T R Madushanka from Casualline. Produced by Kingswood College Kandy, Madushanka has only participated in 3 National level tournaments. Divarathane was held in great astonishment as Madushanka laddered up the victory stand.
In the women’s category, yet another glorious moment was witnessed with the much awaited comeback of Anusha Kodithuwakku. The champion from MAS Southern made a great entry after a long lapse proving the fact that she is the unbeaten champion of Sri Lanka women boxing. Anusha, the Gold medalist at the Tunisian International Women Boxing Tournament, made the referee hold the bout, delivering thundering punches to H M D M Herath, who represented the Air force. With swift foot work and classic techniques Anusha stole the Best Boxer title leaving her fans with much excitement and joy.
The Bronze medalist at the Taipei city cup International Boxing Tournament, Kosala Nilmini of MAS Sourthern, was awarded the best loser after an intense battle with J A D Jayasinghe of Thurulie who won the bout displaying stunning techniques.
The battle between Shiromala Weerarathna of Police, the Bronze medalist of the Asian Women’s Championships 2012, exhibited exchanging a series of strong punches until the referee declared the bout to be held. She encountered the same opponent A Nilanthi of MAS Sourthern A, at the Layton Cup boxing Meet which was held during last month, where Shiromala experienced a narrow victory defeating Nilanthi.
In women’s 64 Kg Light Welter weight category, Priyani Jayasekara of MAS Southern proved that she is the unbeaten champion by defeating S C S Siriwardane of Navy, projecting a fierce battle.
The 86th ABA Men & Women Clifford Cup 2013 came to an end crowning MAS Slimline A team as the overall champions in the men’s category, with the club acquiring 31 points, Army stationed in second with 23 points and Linea BC third earning 16 points. MAS Southern A team won the overall championship in the women’s category earning 31 points, proving that they are the unbeaten champions in women’s boxing. Southern B team acquired second place with 12 points and Police third with 10 points.
The Clifford Cup is recognized as a mile stone for developing boxers with aspirations to become International medal holders. In this long journey of producing elite boxers MAS holdings has played a major role transforming many young men and women in to world class boxers. This year’s Clifford disclosed this fact undoubtedly, where exceptional boxing was displayed from all across the country.
