Again a crazy month, having been at five events, plus a visit to the Mediterranean island state of Malta to train boxing judges and referees, as part of the WBF Education Program.
It’s extremely rewarding as the President of the World Boxing Federation (and an ex-school teacher and Principal) to witness ring officials wanting to learn and grow as a result.
I was hugely impressed with the group of eight officials from Malta with respect to their knowledge, their willingness to learn but mostly by the massive enthusiasm shown by the delegates.
There were countless debates, arguments, proposals and insights as I put these officials to the test – a test they passed with flying colors. My gratitude goes to Frank Borg, Demis Tonna and everyone else for the incredible hospitality shown to me during my short stay.
I also had the pleasure of having lunch with Donny and Christi Lalonde as well as the talented light heavyweight Malik Zinad. Remember, former world champ Lalonde is helping to build the WBF as a member of our Advisory Board and Maltese representative.
I hope to return to this beautiful island in the near future to see the officials in action.
We also had the pleasure of working with some really excellent Southern African promoters this month, including Andre Thysse, TLB Promotions, Dida and Salute Boxing Academy.
The unbeaten Xolisani Ndongeni had a torrid time against the wily and unorthodox Abraham Ndauendapo winning a narrow points decision, and moving to 24-0 and acquiring our world lightweight title.
Often, boxing spectators gun for the underdog, and young Emmany Kalombo knocked out favorite South African champion and two-times world title challenger Nkululeko Mhlongo with one of the biggest right hands seen in South Africa for many a year.
Let’s not forget the class of former Olympian Jackson Chauke who oozed talent winning the International title and soon, all things being equal, will fight for the world title.
Thato Bonokoane remains on track for a title shot but will need to fight better quality opposition to see if he is in fact as good as he’s made out to believe.
Namibia also continued to produce champions with young Nathaniel Kakololo joining our list of champions and the Cowboy Nashivela continues to rise in the ratings.
That is Africa alone, but in addition we staged several other title fights around the world. While April was a busy month, May looks to be even bigger. Time to breathe for a few days and next on my list is a trip to my good friend Hoo Sik Choi in South Korea for a World Boxing Federation title fight just outside Seoul.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
