I have learned many life lessons in my four decades in the boxing business. The boxing game is not one that is understood overnight, but takes many years of hard work, dedication and commitment to even understand the tip of the iceberg that is boxing.
I have learned that the boxing business is tough, uncompromising and dynamic – and that boxing is by far the greatest sport in the world. I have learned that competition breeds characters of all kinds, scoundrels, good guys, crazies, bad people but by and large the boxing community is wonderful. At times crazy, but by and large wonderful.
I have learned that the philosophy of the WBF, that of integrity, honesty, transparency and professionalism does not also yield the results we would like, but rather than compromise the integrity of the sport we all live for, we at the WBF are prepared to take the knocks but will never compromise on our philosophy of trying to bring much needed integrity to boxing.
I have learned that we cannot please everyone, but again that is not our aim. Our aim is provide opportunities to deserving and quality fighters who might otherwise not get the opportunity, and achieve this within our above mentioned philosophy.
I have learned to take criticism and I have learned to learn from such critics. The WBF always welcomes criticism if it is fair and honest, but what irks me is dishonest journalists who are paid under the table to launch attacks against the WBF in order to push the agendas of other unscrupulous characters.
I read recently an article in which we were attacked and where most of the comments, information and criticism were outrageously incorrect – only to find that a virtually similar article had been written three years ago in the very same newspaper, only that time attacking another sanctioning body.
It was brought to my attention after some investigation that the so-called “reporter” had been ‘asked nicely’ to write a damning report about the WBF to further the agenda of a certain person in boxing, and to destroy the aspirations of new boxing promoters.
It’s a real pity that this wannabe journalist found it so difficult to phone me to get a few comments and a few truths, but rather chose to insult his fellow legitimate journalists by writing a speculative article full of errors, and obvious to all – manipulated. I’m sure there might have been a few bank notes passed under the table, but that’s just my assumption.
What happened to the ethics of journalism, the honest storytelling to inform the public of the truth? Whatever happened to balanced reporting? This journalist hit below the belt. If that journalist in question had been a boxer, he would certainly have had a point or two deducted for foul blows – probably a disqualification would have been better suited to the rubbish he wrote.
For more information on the WBF’s philosophy, please view our Presentation HERE.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
