I think as one gets older, time moves along faster! It is almost inconceivable that 2019 is about to draw to a close.
The WBF had a hugely successful year, although we suffered the tragic and sad loss of our brother, friend and Executive Director Olaf Schroeder.
We also have a difficult episode when one or two, who shall remain nameless, tried to derail our convention which was to honor Olaf.
The thing about the World Boxing Federation is that we are a family, and within that family we exude resilience, determination and courage. Nothing and no-one would or could prevent our convention from taking place.
It was a fantastic convention under difficult circumstances, but one which brought the WBF family closer together as a result.
The WBF family is exactly that – a family which has everyone’s back and who will fight to ensure stability, stature and professionalism within our organization.
I am indeed proud to preside over such a family and there are so many people to thank and commend for their support, hard work and loyalty within the WBF.
Thanks go my Vice President Torben Hansen for his unequivocal support and wisdom, the new Executive Director Christian Rosen who was thrown in the deep end but surpassed all expectations with his hard work, Susi Lau our Executive Secretary, Clive our website man for always delivering the highest quality, our championship and executive committees, our worldwide representatives, our champions, trainers, managers, promoters etc all without whom we would not and could not survive.
We will always strive for transparency, honesty and professionalism. We will never produce silver, green, supreme belts simply to make a quick buck. That we leave to others.
But its time to park boxing and to look forward to the festive season and hopefully a healthy, successful and positive 2020.
It is a time to spend with family and friends and to be thankful and grateful for what we have in our lives. To put all negative thoughts away and to embrace life with a positive attitude. Life is short – live life to the full each and every day.
I wish everyone in boxing, not only the WBF family members a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
While everyone is enjoying the spirit of Christmas, Eddie Marshall and I will be traveling to Lagos in Nigeria on Christmas Day for our WBF intercontinental heavyweight title fight.
A big thank you to everyone in the WBF family again and I wish you all the best going forward.
Until next time, keep punching.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
