The boxing world has seen many a comeback fail – but WBF President Howard Goldberg, who was a world class referee before moving into administration, now made a thoroughly successful return to the ring as a third man.
Goldberg’s huge experience was called upon last weekend in Ludwigsburg, Germany when the contestants of a high-profile charity match between South Africa’s former WBF world heavyweight champion Francois Botha and 53-year-old Uwe Hueck, an ex-kickboxing champion and now chief of Porsche’s workers union as well as directorate member of Volkswagen engaged in an eight-rounder.
Hueck is the initiator of the Charity Fights in Germany, through which he collects money for his educational foundation for children. Being a highly visible big-time player in economy, his events (this being the second one he staged) are extremely popular and successful.
Both Hueck and Botha requested Goldberg to make a refereeing comeback for their match and the WBF President, who showed no signs of ring rust, was more than happy to oblige.
“The WBF is always ready to support good causes and I owe boxing so much that I had no hesitation to accept the invitation when they approached me about two months ago at the press conference announcing their charity match,” said Howard Goldberg.
Although a few kilos over his best refereeing weight, Goldberg made a great job as the third man and the fight was ruled a split draw, making everyone happy. Said the World Boxing Federation’s boss afterwards:
“It was fantastic to be back in the ring. I have to thank Uwe and Francois for giving me the opportunity to be involved in a fantastic charity event, which i truly enjoyed.”
