As we move towards the end of a strange 2020, I look back at the past several months with so many different thoughts.
From traveling overseas almost twice every month to being locked down in my house not being able to venture outdoors for a couple of months.
I’ve seen cinemas shut down, restaurants close, businesses decimated and even our beloved boxing being brought to a virtual standstill.
The bizarre situation resembled a boxer being pounded and pounded, being punched over and over again, virtually defenseless – but one thing stood out for me during these thoughts.
The boxer being perilously close to being stopped was down but not out. He would rise like the phoenix, showing great courage and resilience and would stand up tall, get back into the fight and eventually prevail as the new champion.
Covid-19 epitomizes the destructive opponent battering our boxer, thinking that it will certainly be victorious – but in truth it won’t!
Our boxer with great determination and resolve will eventually defeat the virus. Yes – our boxer might have to go into the latter rounds, hurt and tired but our boxer will emerge victorious.
It will be a great and monumental victory against one of the toughest opponents ever – but the human spirit will, and in this example has, prevailed.
Its been a long year, a hard and harrowing year, but we are slowly getting back to normal – we will get on top and emerge with our hands held high in victory.
As we move towards the end of this strange year, I am delighted to see several WBF fights lined up, one of which has already taken place in Tanzania.
We have several shows lined up in Africa, including title fights in Zambia, Nigeria, Botswana, SA and the DRC. We also have title fights lined up in the USA as well as in Europe.
Covid-19 is not finished and will certainly try to continue disrupting our lives in so many ways. But as we stand tall and stand together, it enhances and strengthens our human will and spirit.
We will not be defeated by our Covid-19 enemy. Sadly we will endure injuries and fatalities in our battle but we will emerge victorious. This battle will eventually make us collectively stronger, wiser and more resolute.
I look forward to seeing all the WBF family members sooner rather than later. I look forward to our next Convention where we will reunite with one another, share a few drinks and get back to normal.
Until next time, keep punching.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
