With the year drawing to a close, for the World Boxing Federation, its business as usual with a hectic schedule of our title fights taking place all over the world.
With eight or so weeks left, I myself still have to go to Japan, USA, Argentina, Korea, Egypt and Namibia, not forgetting a double title bill in Cape Town, and another in Kagiso Gauteng.
While all this is taking place, let me not forget about upcoming fights in Belgium, Switzerland, France, Mexico and Germany to mention but a few.
Flying all over the world might sound (and sometimes might be) glamorous and exciting but I can assure you, traveling is not always that easy. It is the policy of the WBF that all of our officials, myself included, travel economy class thus not to add to the financial burden of promoters.
Last week, I was in Cairo, Egypt with WBF referee Eddie Marshall for the Andreas Valavanis fight. We were treated with such respect and kindness by everyone in Cairo, but special mention must be made of promoter Richard Nwoba who has turned Cairo into a boxing city.
An absolute gentleman, and a hard working promoter, Richard continues to show his growth as a promoter and I look forward to returning to Cairo in December.
While talking about promoters it would be apt to congratulate Ranee Schroeder who at 15 must be one of the youngest promoters world wide. Of course she has her dad, Olaf Schroeder helping her as much as possible, but I was delighted to hear from a source at her last show, about the professionalism shown by Ranee way beyond her years.
The woman’s world bantamweight title took place in Welkom South Africa this past weekend with champion Bukiwe Nonina turning in a flawless performance in beating the tough and underrated Mokebisi on points over ten rounds.
The year is drawing to a close but yet the fights continue to take place at a staggering rate. I am so proud of the WBF family members all who contribute in one way or another, and who do so with energy and enthusiasm.
Finally congratulations to Anthony Joshua (a real gentleman) on stopping our former WBF heavyweight champion Carlos Takam in ten on Saturday night. While people questioned the referee’s decision to stop the fight, feeling it was slightly premature, I would once again say rather too early than too late.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
