By James Blears

World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman is insisting that Australian boxing great Jeff Fenech is innocent of stealing watches from a store.

Jeff  Fenech has already appeared in magistrates court charged with the theft of three watches from a fashion boutique on Australia’s Gold Coast, which allegedly happened back in December 2005. And the matter has now been referred to District Court, for a trial at a date to be decided.

His associate Francis Grech ,aged 59,  has already pleaded guilty to the theft and was fined 750 Australian dollars.

Jeff Fenech has said he is innocent on national television, and Don Jose unreservedly backed him by stressing: “Jeff Fenech is 100 percent honest. If he said he didn’t do it, he did not do it. It’s a disgrace that somebody has accused such an honest man and such a great example in boxing for the youth of the world.

“My message for Jeff, is to fight for his principles. I know his honesty and decency. I know the time and money he has spent to help other people. I know the time he devotes, often  without gaining anything. So what is he going to gain with a watch compared to all that he has given to help others?!

“I hope that Australian Justice and the Australian people will believe in a man who became a hero of the people with his own hands. I am positive that he is innocent!”