By ANGELA GREGORY and NZPA
The family of the baby killed by boxer Soulan Pownceby say his Olympics selection has reopened old wounds.
In a statement released by the family of Losalia Mulipola, the mother of five-month-old Jeanette Rikihana, no judgment was made on whether Pownceby should attend the Olympic Games in
Athens.
"We decline to comment on Soulan's suitability as a sporting representative of New Zealand. The issue has meant revisiting the pain of our loss."
The family said nothing could be greater than the loss of a child.
"Jeanette was an enchanting, bright and beautiful baby and a much-loved member of our family. Our family grieved the loss of Jeanette 10 years ago and, with much difficulty, came to terms with the horrific circumstances surrounding her death."
The family asked that its right to grieve in private be respected, and would not be giving media interviews.
Pownceby, then known by the surname Rikihana, was jailed for four years for the manslaughter of Jeanette in 1995. Several assault charges followed his release from jail.
The baby was fatally injured by Pownceby while Losalia Mulipola was out getting takeaways. A post-mortem revealed severe bruising to the head including a cracked skull and internal bruising.
Pownceby had first claimed he accidentally dropped her in the shower, and later said she fell on to the arm of a sofa.
It was confirmed yesterday Pownceby would still be fighting in Christchurch on July 3 against Australian Rolf (Rudi) Suchanek, his only competition between the Oceania championships in late May and the Olympics in mid-August.
Organiser Pat Mills yesterday reported an upsurge of interest since Pownceby's criminal record and Olympic selection simultaneously became public knowledge this week.
"I don't know whether it is because of all the publicity or just because it is getting near to tournament time but there have been a lot of calls," said Mills.
"We have had some negative comments but there have been a lot more in support of him."
The boxer and coach Phil Shatford left for Tahiti on Wednesday for nine days of sparring and fitness work, which was always to be the first part of his build-up for Athens. However, Boxing New Zealand chairman Keith Walker conceded there could be visa problems if not in gaining entry to Canada for training then in travelling via the United States.
