Suz Member has ‘no qualms’ about his convincing defeat last weekend but has revealed that a mistake with his scales saw him weigh in some four kilos lighter than his opponent.
The Manchester firefighter and boxer lost his welterweight fight to a first round knockout against Lithuanian Tadas Stulginskas last Saturday at London’s iconic York Hall.
He cited an inaccuracy with his scales as one of the reasons why he struggled.
The 35-year-old is the first British-born Indian boxer to turn professional and is still intent on becoming world champion, but is honest enough to admit the better fighter won.
“I don’t want to make any qualms about the fight: the best man won,” he said.
“It’s just one of those things. But the contract is still the same so I have four fights left and my ambition is still to become world champion.”
Member, who is also a firefighter for the Atherton Fire Service, is already looking forward to his next bout under boxing promoters Acourtier Events with a fight scheduled for April 12 in Chester.
Although accepting that he was beaten fair and square on the night, Member believes a number of factors conspired against him.
“We thought he (Stulginskas) was going to have an orthodox stance but instead he was a southpaw so that was a real big difference,” he said.
“The biggest issue was the weight though as I was underweight by nearly four kilos.
“I was using my scales at home but they must have been inaccurate so before the fight even started I was up against it in a way.
“I’m not making excuses, and this isn’t sour grapes, but these were just all factors that played a part in my defeat.”
Member has signalled his intent at a push for a world title by hiring Heral Graham as his trainer.
Former pro Graham is widely regarded as the best British boxer never to win a title having won 48 matches in 54 bouts.
Member believes that although this loss has set him back, just getting to the ring in the first place was a victory in itself.
“I’m trying to remain positive and, for me, the biggest battle wasn’t the fight itself but actually getting to the fight and coming through all I have was the biggest thing.
“Boxing is a brutal and unforgiving sport and you need to be fully prepared.
“I enjoy it but, at the same time, I know when I need to stand up and admit to mistakes and the better guy on the night won.”
Outside the ring, Member has had a huge influence in the community becoming part of various programmes to help young adults who are struggling in life, drawing on experiences from his own youth.
His work has even been noticed on an international scale after he was contacted by the Zambian government to go over and help in projects.
Images courtesy of Danielbaker.com with thanks
