It’s always exciting for the WBF to venture into new territory, and the past weekend our destination was Lusaka, Zambia where Zambian superstar Esther Phiri fought Sandra Almeida of South Africa for the Women’s Intercontinental Welterweight Title.
While the result was a Technical Draw after referee Eddie Marshall ruled a clash of heads had halted the bout in round three, it is fitting to elaborate more of what transpired behind the scenes, given the outstanding professionalism afforded to the WBF officials during our stay.
Nothing was too much trouble, and everything was organized to perfection!
Exodus Promotions, headed by former champion Anthony Mwamba, put on a five-star event from start to finish and must be commended for all their hard work and effort.
The WBF will be returning to Zambia around August and it will be our pleasure to continue our relationship and friendship with Anthony and his team at Exodus. I must pay tribute to all the sponsors, but particularly Dr. Hans Heuer and his team at Best Western Plus Lusaka Grand Hotel – they were fantastic.
Some big fights are coming up in the next few weeks including Isaac Rodrigues’ defense of his WBF World Middleweight Title against the dangerous Nkululeko Mhlongo of South Africa. Having seen both fighters in action recently, one can expect nothing less than a great, toe-to-toe, bloody affair with neither fighter taking a backward step. It’s going to be nothing short of a war.
Then it’s off to Bogota, Colombia where the tough-as-teak Bernard Donfack travels to put his WBF World Super Middleweight Title on the line against Colombian star Alexander Brand in what should prove to be a thriller.
Of course let’s not forget about our women, where one of my favorite champions, the hugely courageous Eva Voraberger who fought and successfully defended her title last time fighting most of the fight with a dislocated jaw, is up against the undefeated Nina Stojanovic which could be a fifty-fifty fight for Eva’s Unified Women’s World Super Flyweight crown.
Our Executive Director and Vice President will also be on duty this coming weekend when the WBF ventures back into Switzerland for the vacant International Super Middleweight Title.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
