I have been privileged and humbled over the past few years to witness the growth and development of the World Boxing Federation, both in the men, but more so the women of late.
It has been a tremendous experience to be at ringside and watch Christina Hammer, Holly Holm, Anne Sophie Mathis, Ramona Kuhne, Irma Sanchez and Ju Hee Kim to mention but a few, showcase their incredible talents before thousands of adoring fans.
All our champions represent themselves and the WBF with great pride and honor, and have assumed icon status around the world.
In the last three months, two world class fighters, both from Australia, have become World Boxing Federation champions. Firstly, at short notice, Arlene Blencowe completely destroyed former New Zealand world champion Daniella Smith, and then was followed soon afterwards by the devastating Shannon O’Connell who annexed the title in dramatic fashion by knocking out local champion Gabisile Tshabalala.
Both Blencowe and O’Connell were humble, respectful and grateful and both are certainly on the right road en route to the # 1 rating worldwide in their respective weight divisions.
Our convention in Saarbruecken is just around the corner, and we are working overtime to ensure that all logistics are organized to perfection. In cooperation with DOG Event Boxing, we have put together an exciting line up for our championship boxing event at the convention (currently no less than four WBF title bouts are in the pipeline!) and I look forward to seeing friends, old and new, in Germany in little over seven weeks.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
