I have to say that my trip to Cairo, Egypt, last week to supervise two World Boxing Federation title fights was an extremely interesting and successful adventure.
Arriving at the Cairo International Airport waiting for my visa to be processed was a bit nerve wrecking but once completed, I was collected at the airport by promoter Richard Nwoba and taken to my hotel to join up with my Executive Committee Vice Chairman and top referee Ernst Salzgeber from Austria.
The hospitality afforded to us by the organizers and the proud people of Cairo was incredible and everything was organized superbly. The weigh-in took place without any problems and we proceeded to conduct a training course for the referees and judges.
The enthusiasm at the course was unrivaled and after a few hours we concluded the training and returned to our hotel.
The show took place in an exquisite sporting facility, the FITBOX Corner Gym, and the fights were all exciting and well supported by the enthusiastic fans. While certain issues could be tweaked and improved slightly, as a new emerging boxing country Egypt can be extremely proud of the outstanding event they staged.
The Egyptian Professional Boxing Association were as professional as any top boxing commission in the world and their energy and willingness to learn and grow was wonderful.
Egyptian boxing star Andreas Valavanis edged closer to a world title fight with a tough victory but what impressed me more, was the exemplary behavior of Valavanis and the humility of the man. What a polite and intelligent star we have waiting to move upwards in the boxing world.
The other WBF champion on the night, Ayman Ashour, showed vicious power and great potential. With a bit more fitness and greater dedication he too can make it all the way.
And finally a big congratulations to the promoter and my new friend Richard Nwoba for a brilliant effort. Nothing was too much for the likeable Richard and he and I spent much time talking about the future.
Many big promoters worldwide could learn much from Richard. The WBF looks forward to developing the talent in Egypt as well as working with the local commission in the future.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
