*** UPDATE! READ: VENUE CHANGE FOR 2019 WBF CONVENTION *** It has been a crazy last few weeks for so many reasons, mostly positive but in boxing there are always small fires to extinguish which we have done. We are fast approaching our convention in Oberhausen and we look forward to a great weekend where old and new friends both reunite and unite respectively.
I have met so many wonderful and honorable people in my many years of boxing, and yes there have been a few scoundrels along the way too. When Olaf Schroeder sadly passed away, it made me realize that we need to embrace each day and be thankful and grateful for what we have.
We cannot allow any negativity to consume us and rather we look for the positives in both boxing and in life.
The people in boxing who earn my trust and respect are those who are true to their word, who speak openly and honestly and who are transparent and loyal.
Werner Kreiskott is one of these men. We have spoken much over the past few weeks regarding the convention and everything he has promised, he has delivered. While Werner and I sometimes have a small language barrier, the world of boxing has made that barrier almost non existent.
When Werner told me he that he promised two title fights at the convention I was delighted. We now have five WBF title fights at the convention, in addition to our world super middleweight champion Travis Hanshaw having a non title warm up fight.
Werner has delivered on what he has promised, and has gone way beyond his promises with this huge event. Thank you Werner for your commitment and your friendship.
With many fights also taking place prior to the convention, in places such as USA, Korea, South Africa, Japan, Peru, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Germany, Turkey to mention but a few, I’m sure my best friend and brother Olaf Schroeder looking down from the heavens is saying well done WBF family.
I know he would be very proud of the collective efforts of all at the WBF.
I know that Olaf will be with us in spirit at the convention which is dedicated to him.
See you all soon.
Until next time, keep punching.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
