|
The new year is already in full
swing with several World Boxing
Federation (WBF) title fights
lined up across the globe.
Norway, South Africa, Portugal,
Georgia, Korea, USA, Germany,
France, Nigeria are but a few of
the countries which will host
our championships.
While in Qatar at the moment, I
was asked over dinner tonight
about some of the crazy things
that have happened to me in the
course of my boxing career - and
believe you me there are many
crazy strange things that have
happened which makes my boxing
life so memorable to me.
Let me share a simple story
capturing the bizarre moments I
have had in boxing.
Cameroon 2011. Traveling from
South Africa to Yaounde via
Nairobi. For some reason, still
to this day unknown, the Kenyans
decided to offload our luggage
and our boxing belt, safely
stored in its case, and then
informed us that our luggage
would be sent to our hotel in
Yaounde four days later.
I was having none of this. The
authorities decided that they
were not really interested in my
objections to their decision. I
then decided that if I stood in
front of the plane in protest
then maybe they would bring our
luggage and belt to the plane.
My two officials, Mr Marshall
and Mr Erasmus, wisely declined
to join my madness and rather
safely boarded the plane. Of
course with my good luck several
soldiers in riot gear with AK47s
circled me and instructed me to
get on the plane.
I of course, with zero
intelligence, refused and
ordered them to get our luggage
and belt. A quick discussion,
and thank goodness the soldiers
dispersed and within 10 minutes
our luggage was brought safely
to the plane. I was pale and
shaking, but I had won this
first battle.
As we approached Yaounde I
gathered the troops, Mr Marshall
and Mr Erasmus, and informed
them that never again would such
craziness take place. My
bravery, or rather stupidity,
almost resulted in me being
shot.
I told Eddie and Rassie that I
needed no more drama, but rather
to do a soundly professional job
in the world title fight that
was taking place a few days
later.
With Eddie, as professional as
he is - there is always some
drama. This time Eddie decided
to go for a walk in an area that
we were clearly advised not to
venture into, and the outcome
resulted in him being kidnapped
for several hours, but that's
another story for another time.
In fairness the Cameroon people
were fantastic, professional and
truly made us feel at home.
My boxing life has many crazy
moments - but I wouldn’t change
anything about the sport I love
so much and with the WBF family
which has bonded in such a
gratifying manner.
Bring on 2020 and all the
stories and adventures we are
about to embark on.
One thing is for sure - we will
maintain our philosophy of
integrity, honesty and
transparency and
professionalism, but rest
assured there will be many
stories about 2020 to share at
our next convention.
I wish one and all great
success, good health, and a
happy 2020.
Until next time,
keep punching.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing
Federation
|
