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One of the interesting debates
over the past year or two is
about the future of boxing,
given the emergence of MMA and
other such contact sports. I was
privileged enough to attend two
press conferences in three days
on two different continents, and
was hugely impressed by the
enthusiasm, dedication and
energy shown by the boxing
people in both these press
conferences.
One looks at a small show in the
Cape Town township of
Khayelitsha where we staged the
WBF International lightweight
title between two up-and-coming
youngsters from the region. No
TV and no sponsors and yet an
amazing 4.500 people
absolutely packed the Oliver
Tambo Hall just to watch
boxing. Add to that scenario,
the excitement in Malta, an
island in the Mediterranean
Sea, where every person I
met was talking about the WBF
world title fight which is due
to take place next month.
A packed Upton Park to watch
Haye vs Chisora and one can see
that boxing is very much alive
and kicking - and kicking with
great authority. Fans love
boxing, and also the controversy
that sometimes accompanies the
sport. The question is how to
make boxing even better, make it
a greater spectator sport and to
once again popularize this great
sport. The answers are really so
simple - and they are answers
that we at the WBF push with
transparency. Firstly, to set up
quality fights but also quality
events. Secondly, to ensure that
events are organized
meticulously and professionally
and that spectators walk away
greatly satisfied. Thirdly, to
make sure the fights are
exciting and memorable.
MMA and other related sports
offer serious competition to
boxing, and it is up to all
involved in the boxing business
to take up this challenge, a
challenge that is perhaps long
overdue, and react to it
aggressively, professionally and
with renewed vigor and passion -
and once again show that boxing
is here to stay simply by doing
the right things and to ensure
that the public gets the very
best.
We at the WBF aim to do exactly
that - we strive for great
fights, fights that are quality
and fights that will enthrall
the public. We strive to work
openly with promoters and we
expect the highest standards
from them, as should they from
us.
Boxing is certainly here to stay!
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing
Federation
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