The WBF world super welterweight title fight in Slovenia a few weeks ago epitomized the continuing growth of the World Boxing Federation for all the right reasons. Two outstanding fighters, former IBF world champion and home favorite Jan Zaveck and the hugely talented Armenian, living in Belgium, Sasha Yengoyan, 31-1 as the defending champion, contested a high-quality and exciting world title event, superbly organized by promoter Tomaz Barada.
In front of a packed arena with more than 5.000 enthusiastic spectators Zaveck emerged victorious to the delight of his home fans, while Yengoyan showed great professionalism and character in accepting defeat on the night, in the most humble of ways. Former world champion Yengoyan will be back, of that you can be sure, such is his grit and determination as a human being.
Interestingly enough, a different promoter a few years back suggested that Slovenia was not the right place to stage such a WBF world title fight – how wrong he has proven to be. Slovenia as a country, its people, its boxing fraternity, welcomed the WBF with open arms so much so, that discussions are already underway for another WBF world title fight in this beautiful country in the near future.
The WBF’s policy and philosophy remains unchanged and even stronger than ever. We want world class champions, we will never cut corners, and we will never compromise on the high standards we set in boxing. I look forward to the next fight in Slovenia where I have undertaken to be there myself to witness yet another excellently promoted event.
Another exciting WBF world title event coming up shortly will be in Brazil where the talented WBF world middleweight champion Isaac Rodrigues, 21-2, takes on the very dangerous WBF Intercontinental super welterweight champion from South Africa Nkuleleko Mhlongo, 15-2 (14).
Having seen Mhlongo in his last fight, Rodrigues will need to at his very best in order to retain his title. Again this fight is indicative of the fact that the WBF provides opportunities to their Intercontinental and International champions, moving them if they are deserving, into world title fights.
Finally I would like to extend all the WBF’s best wishes to our young second Vice President Torben Seemann Hansen of Denmark, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday. Happy birthday, Torben, and many, many more.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
