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After already having a
tremendous 2010, again the only
way was up for the World Boxing
Federation in 2011, easily
surpassing the previous years’
numbers and setting a new record
in terms of championship fights.
This is especially remarkable in
view of the WBF policy to keep
the number of different titles
to a minimum as opposed to some
'colorful' titles created by
other sanctioning bodies.
In 2011, the WBF sanctioned a
total of 40 championship bouts,
which amounts to a 15% growth
rate from the previous year.
These 40 fights for WBF titles
took place in 15 different
countries, namely Australia,
Belgium, Brazil, Czechia,
France, Germany, Hungary,
Ireland, Mexico, Poland, Serbia,
Slovenia, South Africa, South
Korea and the USA.
With these statistics, the World
Boxing Federation now is firmly
on the fast track to establish
itself as the most serious
contender to challenge the WBA,
WBC, IBF and WBO.
“We bring sanity back into
boxing by not bringing in
ridiculous and meaningless
titles which no fan really wants
or having regional titles
with ineligible
fighters competing for
it, simply to earn a sanction
fee,” explains WBF President
Howard Goldberg of South Africa,
further saying “Plus, we try to
eliminate officials who only
serve the benefits of
promoters. We want honest,
honorable officials with
integrity and that is exactly
what we have at this time."
The highly qualified staff of
the World Boxing Federation grew
during 2011 parallel to the
growth of the championship
activity and noteworthy
additions in the past year
included Alan Santana of
California (North American
Coordinator), Torben Seemann
Hansen of Denmark (Executive
Committee Chairman), Gianluca Di
Caro of England (Marketing
Director), as well as David
Walshe of Ireland (Irish
Republic Representative) and Dan
Hernandez of New Mexico (North
American Media Coordinator).
Also, 2011 saw the WBF embracing
Facebook and Twitter as well as
launching its own merchandise
clothing line. More is in store
for 2012 with the next WBF World
Convention firmly in the
pipeline, the Gaelic/Celtic
championships designed to give
an impetus for boxer worldwide
from these heritages, and
further countries lining up to
start promoting WBF
championships. “We know it is a
long road ahead of us, but we
are ready for the journey, well
equipped and will never stop
improving. I promise 2012 will
be even more of a success for
the WBF,” says Goldberg.
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