As we move towards the festive season and the New Year, it is time to reflect on another good and successful WBF year.
While we recorded a record amount of WBF fights in 2013, I honestly believe that we have established ourselves as arguably the top women’s sanctioning body with some truly outstanding fighters.
Our women champions are truly at the top of their game, they conduct themselves with great aplomb and are indeed respected role models in the world of boxing.
Our men’s division also increased in volume and we are equally proud of our men champions, but there is still much work to be done. We want to be the best and we need to synergise our efforts in order to achieve that aim – and we will!
We will never compromise on the transparency, integrity and ethical approach we advocate to this great sport. We will, irrespective of the time it takes, ensure that the WBF’s contribution to world boxing has the highest moral fibre, honourable values and good social morals, and that honesty and integrity is part and parcel of the sport we love.
It has been a busy and exciting year, having opened up several new countries here on my own African continent, including Tanzania, Namibia, Ghana with Uganda to follow. Of course New Zealand also welcomed us with open arms, and we have already had discussions about a title fight in Australia next year.
We have some very interesting projects in line for 2014 which will be revealed early in the New Year.
I would like to express my gratitude to the WBF team, our promoters, fighters, champions, challengers, trainers, managers, representatives – but more so their and our families who lovingly allow them and us to pursue what we love – growing boxing! It is their sacrifice for which we are so appreciative and blessed.
Thus December and January is a time for families to spend quality time together and perhaps take a small break from boxing. It is a time to reflect and look towards a healthy, happy and prosperous 2014.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
