KUALA LUMPUR – An organiser of the controversial Warzone World Championship (WWC) has issued a public apology, labelling the event’s much-criticised promotional tactics as a mere “gimmick” that went too far, while vowing to meet all necessary criteria to gain official sanction.
Yusuf Azmi, a central figure behind the WWC and the father of the child seen in a widely circulated apology video, addressed the intense backlash in a lengthy statement, promising to comply with all regulations set by the authorities.
His plea comes after the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and its minister, Hannah Yeoh, declared the event unsanctioned and slammed the organisers for using a minor to deflect responsibility.
In his video apology, Yusuf addressed a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including the Malaysian and Indonesian public, the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Education Ministry, and national and state muay thai and boxing associations.
“I am here to apologise for what happened during the press conference,” he stated, admitting the incident, which featured a staged, aggressive face-off between child fighters, was “purely a gimmick.”
“It was an excessive act on our part while promoting the event,” Yusuf conceded, acknowledging their lack of experience in organising a large-scale tournament for the first time.
“We are still learning, and I accept all the criticisms.”
The organiser directly addressed the controversy surrounding the exploitation of children, an issue that drew sharp condemnation from Hannah.
He insisted that he is personally anti-bullying and against any form of violence or exploitation involving minors.
Yusuf’s apology follows Hannah’s strong rebuke after a video of his son apologising surfaced online.
The minister had stated, “KBS does not need this young child to apologise. The child is not at fault. The organisers must take responsibility.”
The initial controversy erupted over promotional materials showing children from Malaysia and Indonesia in aggressive, staged confrontations, which critics, including parents and professional fighter Johan Ghazali, argued disgraced martial arts and promoted violence.
Despite the firm stance from the ministry that the December 6-7 event cannot proceed, Yusuf expressed his determination to legitimise it.
He assured that he has sent formal apology letters to the relevant ministries and associations.
“I promise there will be no more gimmicks or content that involves elements of violence,” he pledged, asserting that he will ensure all future activities adhere strictly to the SOPs and laws governed by the National Sports Council and the Sports Development Act.
Yusuf’s ultimate goal, he claimed, is to elevate the combat sports scene in Malaysia and provide a valuable platform for local fighters.
He extended an open invitation to all organisations to cooperate with him to achieve this, framing his vision as one for the betterment of the sport, free from other objectives. — November 4, 2025