Tongan boxer Lomalito Moala could not compete at this Commonwealth 2014 boxing games because he has failed to make the weight limit on Tuesday, he has confirmed this on Facebook.
He said: “Hey everyone, just letting you know that unfortunately I didn’t make the weigh – in. Which means I will not be competing at these games.
“I’m sorry to all my family, friends and supporters, and sorry to all Team Tonga. Thank you all for the love and support you’ve shown me and Team Tonga. To the Celtics and the local Scots, your kindness and generosity will always have a special place in my heart…I make no excuses and take full responsibility.
“With your support, I know I can turn this failure into a success….Lomalito.”
The Sydney- based Tongan boxer, who was born to a Tongan family and grew up in New Zealand moved to Australia in 2005 when he was 15.
He is the first Tongan to have won a medal at the Commonwealth lightweight boxing class in New Delhi in 2010.
Read more: Tongan fans fume at Moala over Celtic shirt
The Tongan boxer attracted media attention this week after he caused a stir by wearing a Celtic strip during the Commonwealth’s opening ceremony on Wednesday. It was however quickly met with strong disapproval from his Tongan fans with many said his action put Tonga down.
Tonga have five boxers left to compete today and tomorrow. They are Super Heavyweight Uaine Fa, Heavywieght Benjamin Tauali’i, Light Welterweight ‘Ikani Falekaono, Welterwight Oscar Finau and Middleweight Sosefo Falekaono.
