The World Boxing Federation has
announced the creation of a
regional European title which
will pique the interest of
boxers, and fans worldwide, as
the new WBF Gaelic/Celtic
Championships will be open to
any boxer from a Gaelic or
Celtic nation or heritage.
Of course, the six original
Celtic nations are Ireland,
Scotland, Wales, Cornwall,
Brittany and the Isle of Man,
however Gaelic people also have
roots in parts of Spain,
Portugal, France and Nova
Scotia. In any case, regardless
of citizenship, Gaelic and
Celtic parentage is the mark of
eligibility for these titles,
which are about to start by
January 1, 2012.
Credit for the creation of these championships goes to new WBF Irish Republic
Representative David Walshe, who reasons:
“The criteria to qualify for an Irish title restricts many non-Irish-based
boxers the opportunity to fight for what is seen in their eyes as a very
important title because of their Irish lineage. The WBF Gaelic Celtic
Championships, however, includes hundreds of boxers all over the world and gives
them a chance to box for an Irish-connected title.”
WBF European Coordinator Olaf Schroeder, backed with the support of WBF
President Howard Goldberg and WBF Vice President Jean Marcel Nartz, is happy for
the World Boxing Federation to fill this gap and be the leading sanctioning
organization in this area.
“David (Walshe) and myself believe that our Gaelic/Celtic titles will soon
become a serious challenger to the Commonwealth belts, because the quality of
boxers eligible is of a much higher standard,” Schroeder said, “and thus provide
a direct path to a shot at the WBF world title.”
|
