Championship & Rating Committees Information on Munguía, Dogboe, Nietes, Ioka and More; Japan to Host Next WBO Convention

Hogan named mandatory challenger for Munguia

In a huge development for boxing fans in Australia, popular junior middleweight contender Dennis Hogan (27-1-1, 7 KOs), the #1 ranked contender at 154 pounds, has unanimously been approved to be named the mandatory contender for undefeated WBO champion Jaime Munguia. However, his status is contingent on him winning his next scheduled fight in Australia against Jaime Weetch (12-2, 5 KOs) on December 15 in Australia.

“Dennis has defended his title, the Oriental Title and the Intercontinental title, and he fought three fighters in the WBO top 15,” commented Matt Rose, who spoke on behalf of Hogan.

WBO orders top four jr bantams to settle vacant title

There are always winners and losers in boxing and unfortunately for hard-hitting junior bantamweight Aston Palicte, he came out short in his quest to get an immediate rematch with countryman Donnie Neites. Palicte and Nietes fought to a twelve round draw last month in a fight for the vacant WBO 115-pound title, a fight that ended in a draw. Roy Jones Jr. Boxing representative Guy Taylor, who was there to represent Palicte, was hopeful that an immediate rematch might have been ordered but discovered that Nietes already signed to fight #3 ranked contender Kazuto Ioka in a fight that was subsequently approved to be for the vacant title.

Taylor’s request to have Palicte fight the winner as a mandatory was also not approved, with the WBO encouraging a matchup between Palicte and WBO #4 ranked Jose Martinez in an elimination fight with the winner getting the mandatory position for the title. Nonetheless although Taylor was visibly disappointed he also expressed confident that Palicte would emerge as world champion when the dust settled.

Navarette named mandatory for Dogboe

Undefeated WBO Jr. Featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe’s upcoming fight with #2 ranked Emanuel Navarette on December 8 had been declared a mandatory defense, a move that gives Dogboe more flexibility in regards to a subsequent title defense assuming he wins against Navarette. With the fight declared a mandatory title defense Dogboe will have nine months after the Navarette fight before he will be required to make a subsequent mandatory title defense. This also opens up the possible world title fight in Ghana in 2019 by giving Team Dogboe more flexibility in solidifying the proposed homecoming. The current #1 contender is Diego De La Hoya, who reportedly did not object to the move.

“I talked to Golden Boy (promoters of De La Hoya) and they agreed.” Dogboe advisor Mike Altamura said of the #1 contender.

Glowacki-Vladov now for WBO cruiser interim title

For Hungarian contender Irme Szello and Sherman based cruiserweight Firat Arslan, the World Boxing Super Series has proved to be a bit of a bitter pill to swallow after they were again shut out of a potential world title fight.

WBO Junior Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who was slated to fight #1 ranked Tony Bellew, and there was little question that a victory could result in him moving up to the heavyweight division. However, an email request for Chris Meyer of the World Boxing Super Series proved problematic for the two European fighters. Meyer proposed moving the #5 ranked Maxim Vlasov to #1 or #2 and requesting that the WBO approve the Upcoming tournament fight between Vlsov and #2 ranked Krzysztof Glowacki be for the Interim title. It was a proposal that drew fierce opposition from Erik Ceylon of ECB Boxing, who was there to represent #3 ranked Firat Arslan.

“Why not give Arslan the mandatory?” Arslan asked.

His position was supported by WBO Vice President of Europe Istvan Kovacs.

“Both of these guys (#3 ranked Arslan and #4 ranked Imre Szello) have been standing in line for a while,” Kovacs said. “Both of them guys are very old. If you are talking of Vlasov I think he is less deserving then these other two guys.”

However, President Valcarcel stressed that the WBO continues to support unification fights and tournaments like the WBSS.

“The unification supersedes the mandatory,” Valcarcel said.

In the end the board voted in favor of the request by Meyer in classifying the Vlasov-Glowacki fight as a fight for the interim title. Kovacs did hold his ground however and voted against the proposal.

WBO declares elimination fight at the Mini-Flyweight Division

WBO Mini-Flyweight champion Vic Saludar (18-3, 10 KOs), the popular Filipino brawler who won the world title back in July, will soon know who his first title defense will come against. On December 7 NABO champion Wilfredo Mendez, the #7 ranked mini-flyweight, will step into the ring against the #1 ranked WBO contender Robert Paradero in a bout that the WBO has just announced will be established as the mandatory challenger for Mendez (11-1, 4 KOs) will be fighting in front of his hometown crowd but the undefeated Paradero (17-0, 11 KOs) has remained at #1 for over a year and is widely regarded as one of the most attractive prospects out of the Philippines. The winner will be named the mandatory challenger for Saludar.

On the other hand, the representative of the Japanese Boxing Commission Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, asked the WBO to hold the next Convention in Tokyo, Japan. The request was approved by the WBO through the members of the Executive Committee and they chose Puerto Rico as a second option in case it is canceled.

By David Finger / Fightnews.com

Dear Colleagues & Friends:
We are pleased to announce our 25th Annual Convention WBO Silver Jubilee and Election
to be held at the famous Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida from
the 22nd to the 26th of October, 2012.
We request that golf participants arrive on the 21st of October as the golf tournament will
be held on the following day, Monday, October 22nd. The course is still under negotiation
negotiation so let’s just say, “Everyone loves a surprise!”
Make it a point to separate these important dates in your agenda now. Remember
you represent the most important factor to attain success and keep the sport of Boxing
in the forefront. Ensuring your attendance will put your personal stamp on the History
of the Sweet Science – Boxing.
While you are in Hollywood, see what the City of Hollywood and South Florida has to
offer. Check out the city’s website at www.hollywoodfl.org . Another interesting option
is to visit a Seminole Indian Reservation. Their website is www.semtribe.com. It’s the place to go for those interesting tours and cultural events.

So, remember, we have a date! It’s October 22nd (21st) to the 26th in Hollywood, Florida,
proud Home of Seminole Tribe of Florida and our home too during the WBO’s Silver Jubilee and Election week at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
See you soon!
Cordially,

Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel
WBO President

 

 

Here are the necessary registration forms for our 25th Annual WBO Convention:

1.) CONVENTION REGISTRATION

Registration

2.) HOTEL RESERVATION

Hotel Reservation

3.) ADVERTISING SPONSORSHIP

Advertising Sponsorship

4.) GOLF REGISTRATION

Golf Registration

5.) CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION FORM

Credit Card Authorization Form

 

Dear Colleagues & Friends:
We are pleased to announce our 25th Annual Convention WBO Silver Jubilee and Election
to be held at the famous Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida from
the 22nd to the 26th of October, 2012.
We request that golf participants arrive on the 21st of October as the golf tournament will
be held on the following day, Monday, October 22nd. The course is still under negotiation
negotiation so let’s just say, “Everyone loves a surprise!”
Make it a point to separate these important dates in your agenda now. Remember
you represent the most important factor to attain success and keep the sport of Boxing
in the forefront. Ensuring your attendance will put your personal stamp on the History
of the Sweet Science – Boxing.
While you are in Hollywood, see what the City of Hollywood and South Florida has to
offer. Check out the city’s website at www.hollywoodfl.org . Another interesting option
is to visit a Seminole Indian Reservation. Their website is www.semtribe.com. It’s the place to go for those interesting tours and cultural events.

So, remember, we have a date! It’s October 22nd (21st) to the 26th in Hollywood, Florida,
proud Home of Seminole Tribe of Florida and our home too during the WBO’s Silver Jubilee and Election week at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
See you soon!
Cordially,

Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel
WBO President

 

 

Here are the necessary registration forms for our 25th Annual WBO Convention:

1.) CONVENTION REGISTRATION

Registration

2.) HOTEL RESERVATION

Hotel Reservation

3.) ADVERTISING SPONSORSHIP

Advertising Sponsorship

4.) GOLF REGISTRATION

Golf Registration

5.) CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION FORM

Credit Card Authorization Form

 

The 24th Annual WBO Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico came to a conclusion yesterday with what many boxing insiders consider the most entertaining events of the week: the Championship and Ratings committee meetings and the award ceremony.

The proceedings kicked off in the Morning as president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel and the board entertained motions from the floor from numerous promoters and even fighters to move up the WBO workd rankings, and in some instances to enter the world rankings altogether. As always, colorful American promoter Gary Shaw stole the show with his frequent jokes, often at the expense of a fellow promoter , who had the misfortune of attending the event wearing a pink shirt and matching pink shoes.

“First of all, anyone wearing pink and pink sneakers should not be allowed at this microphone,” Shaw said jokingly, “he should only be allowed to argue for women’s fights.”

The first motion kicked off with Japanese promoter Ulysses G. Sato, who made a motion to see Japanese mini-flyweight Katsunari Takayama move into the top ten (he is currently ranked #12).

From there, Philippine promoter Mike Aldeguer of ALA Boxing told the board that his junior flyweight champion, Ramon Garcia, was tentatively looking to fight contender Tommy Seran on March 17 of 2012. A representative of Carlos Rueben Dario Ruiz, the #8 ranked contender and Latino champion, made no demands, but did make sure that the board was familiar with his accomplishments and desire to fight for a world title if the opportunity arose. It was a statement that brought a lighthearted response from President Valcarcel.

“If you talk to the Filipinos, they would love to fight you!” joked Valcarcel, “They love to fight the Argentines!”

Another argument from the floor to see Spanish veteran Rafael Lozano into the WBO rankings brought more lighthearted jabs from the President. Although Lozano possesses a 25-3 record, and won both a Bronze medal in the Olympics and the Spanish Junior Flyweight title in his last fight, many couldn’t help but notice his advanced age (he is 41-years old). When reminded of the Bronze medal, Valcarcel quipped “When?! In 1974?!”

From there the discussions moved to the Flyweight discussion where President Valcarcel noted that champion Brian Viloria would fight #1 contender Giovani Segura of Mexico in his next fight. A discussion of the 115-pound division talk about popular champion Omar Narvaez of Argentina, and an argument from Gary Shaw to move Cesar Seda Jr., the #2 ranked contender from Puerto Rico, into a title fight. Offering a box-off with #1 contender Isack Junior, Shaw was determined to see his young contender fighting for the world title before the next convention. Another argument from the Argentine delegation was entertained for #6 ranked contender Roberto Sosa, the unbeaten prospect from Argentina with a 21-0 record to move into the top five.

At Bantamweight the discussion was all around whether or not champion Nonito Donaire was going to move up in weight or not. Philippine promoter Mike Aldeguer argued for his fighter, Alex John Banal to fight in a title fight for a vacant title if that did occur (Banal is currently the #2 contender) while Gary Shaw argued for Vic Darchinyan.

At Junior Featherweight President Valcarcel announced that champion Jorge Arce had nine months to make his mandatory title defense. Top Rank’s Carl Moretti announced that it appeared that he would be fighting in Mexico in January against a ranked fighter for his first title defense. Gary Shaw argued along side Alex Camponovo for the winner of the Showtime fight between Chris Avalos (#4) and Jonathan Romero (#14) to move into the #1 slot. The fight is slated for December 2 on Showtime. Presedent Valcarcel was open to the idea, but wouldn’t commit to the jump just yet.

“We don’t’ have to decide now,” commented Vaslcarcel, “We need the committee to decide if the fighter moves to #1.”

At Featherweight there was a buzz over the fact that previous #1 contender Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo of Thailand won another organizations championship, thus opening up the top ten more movement. An argument was made for undefeated Aussie Joel Brunker to move into the top ten, before it was recognized that he had in fact moved into the #5 slot. Alex Camponovo wanted Abraham Lopez (16-0) to enter the rankings, as well as Colombian bomber Daluis Prescott (23-0), the brother of Breidis.

Despite Prescott’s impressive record, President Valcarcel did raise some concerns with the level of opposition. In Prescott’s last fight, he stopped Elkin Zavaleta, who had a less than stellar record of (3-22) and Valcarcel pointed out that he fought Victor Peralta twice (Peralta has a 1-28-2 record).

From there, many familiar names were offered to the board in an attempt to move up the rankings, including Ray Bautista from the Philippines.

Gary Shaw then introduced a young, undefeated prospect named Jose Pedraza (4-0), a Puerto Rican who Shaw promised would become very familiar to the world of boxing in the coming years. President Valcarcel suggested a fight with Pedraza for a Youth title, a suggestion that Pedraza warmly embraced.

“That’s what I want to do,” commented the young Puerto Rican fighter, “I would be very happy to hold that belt.”

Although the highest weight classes saw many familiar names discussed as they argued to move up, and in some instances remain in, the world rankings, there was little question that there would also be many newcomers entering the rankings. Although Gary Shaw had words with Argentine promoter Mario Margossian, the most interesting Shaw moment when he made a short, simple request for Chad Dawson to move up to the #1 spot at 175.

“The world saw what happened with Hopkins,” Shaw said, “Chad Dawson should be #1.”

At heavyweight the most noteworthy moment came when Chauncy Welliver, and his manager Roland Jankleson, stood before the podium and petitioned for a higher ranking. Welliver, the #10 ranked heavyweight, recently won the WBO China Zone championship, and with his growing popularity in China, pushed to see his ranking move up. Although Championship Committee Chairman Luis Batista Salas had a vigorous cross examination of Welliver and Jankleson, in which questions were raised about Welliver’s attempt to defend his WBO Asia-Pacific belt against Marcellus Brown (a fight that was not approved by the WBO), Welliver and Jankleson did seem to make the most of their opportunity to present their case to the board, citing the fact that Welliver is the most active fighter in the top ten, with over 50 wins and five fights in 2011 so far.

A strong argument from Markus Aslani followed, in which the German pushed to see Lebanese born prospect Manual Charr enter the top ten as well. Charr scored an impressive knockout over former contender Owen Beck in 2010 and former contender Danny Williams earlier this year. Also, Hedi Taouab pushed for undefeated Italian Francesco Pianeta and former world champion Ruslan Chagaev to enter the WBO rankings.

After the ranking the WBO proudly introduced their new webpage at www.wbo-int.com and announced that it would be unveiled to the world during the evening’s gala dinner. Finally, the grievance committee proposed a slight modification to Rule 13 (a)(2)(a), which referred to mandatory challenges.

The event concluded with the Gala dinner that evening in which the new web page was unveiled, and the annual awards were handed out. Golden Boy Promotions won three awards (NABO Promoter of the Year, and two Special Recognition Awards for Eric Gomez as matchmaker of the year and to Golden Boy Promotions from WBO Intercontinental), while Bob Arum and Top Rank won three as well (NABO Special Recognition Award, Executive of the Year award to Carfl Moretti , and Promoter of the Year for Bob Arum). Wladimir Klitschko won Fighter of the Year award, while Marco Huck won the Most Exciting Fighter of the Year Award. Mario Margossian won Latin Promoter of the Year, and Wilfred Sauerland won European Promoter of the Year. Yessica Bopp won Female Fighter of the Year, while Promoter Frank Warren received a Special Recognition Award, as well as Heavyweight Contender Chauncy Welliver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/wbo-convention-day-3-2-99916

Photos from: http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Baja_el_tel_n_de_la_24_Convenci_n.php

 

 

 

 By David Finger
Photos: WBO

The WBO 24th Annual Convention continued on Wednesday for its second day of events, highlighted by President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel’s report and a guest speaker who provided a training seminar for various boxing officials: Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward.

The event kicked off in the morning with Mr. Jorge Molina’s report on WBO Latin America. Mr. Molina once again gave a informative and well researched presentation, which highlighted the WBO Latino’s history in developing future world Champions. Pointing out that since 1996 (when WBO Latino started), the regional organization has sanctioned over four hundred and thirty four fights, with 2011 being the biggest year ever with forty seven title fights since last year’s convention in Colombia.

Perhaps just as significant is Mr. Molina’s ability to spread out these championship fights all over two continents. Argentina has held the bulk of the fights in 2011 (with seventeen), but is quickly followed by Brazil (ten), Puerto Rico, the United States and Mexico. Most impressive for Mr. Molina, however, is the continued tradition of WBO Latino as a training ground for World Champions. Ninety-five WBO Latino champions have gone on to fight for a world title, including eleven in 2010, and thirty-two who would go on to win a world championship. For Mr. Molina, the secret to his success is in a plan that could rival Herman Cain’s “9-9-9″ in its simplicity: quality.

“The criteria for a Latino regional title is either of the two fighters is eligible to be ranked,” commented Mr. Molina, “Quality will be beyond quantity. That is why the Latino title has garnered such results.”

After Mr. Molina’s presentation, a video was shown highlighting 20-years of great WBO title fights, featuring such legends as Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De la Hoya, Evander Holyfield and Bernard Hopkins.

From there a President Valcarcel heard a discussion on the soon to be implemented changes to the WBO web page, which will soon have such additions as videos and executive blogs.

An early “happy birthday” was offered to Dr. Ramon Pina, who will be turning ninety years old in November, and Golden Boy Promotions and its representative Eric Gomez, was given a round of applace for its assistance in securing the golf course used earlier in the week (Oscar De la Hoya was a member of the club).

From there, discussions went to the recent challenges to the WBO trademark and name.

“We are perfectly protected,” commented WBO member Edoardo Ceccoli, “one by renovation and another for the transaction for being inscribe in the European registry.”

The legal discussions continued on the matter, in particular the problems with the EBU and British Boxing Board of Control.

From there President Valcarcel presented his report, and he started out by highlighting the achievements of noted Pilipino boxers.

“We have five champions, four men and one woman,” commented President Valcarcel, “We congratulate the Philippine (fighters) for the great achievements through our organization.”

From there President Valcarcel admitted that he was not yet satisfied with the amount of money going into charitable contributions and its “WBO Kids Drug Free” program.

“We are not happy with the money we are assigning for the youth,” admitted President Valcarcel, “We want at least 40-50% of money we make to go to educating youth through boxing, particularly in poorer countries. I spoke to the accountant and we will increase the donation budget this year.”

President Valcarcel also challenged WBO champions to continue to be role models for the World’s youth.

“Our WBO champs don’t only have to be good fighters, they also have to be great role models for the youth.”

President Valcarcel then invited attendees to visit the new WBO Offices tomorrow, as the WBO will have free tours provided. From there Luis Bautista Salas followed with a call for honor and dignity.

“We have to return dignity to boxing,” said Salas, “We have to be honorable in the process that we are going to move forward for the good of the sport. These principles have been upheld. I thank you all, and in particular to Francisco Valcarcel. He has brought it to the pinnacle. We are the greatest organization because we have the highest quality of people working with us.”

President Valcarcel then concluded with a quik summary of the finances of the WBO.

“The WBO is financially sound,” concluded Valcarcel, “We don’t’ owe anyone any money, we have money in the bank. The office is ours, the equipment is ours. We are financially number one, but more important we are morally number one.”

The Convention then moved into the awards ceremony, with such worldwide dignitaries such as promoters Nestor Tobias (from Namibia) and Sammy Gello-Ani (from the Philippines) receiving promoter of the year awards from their respective regions.

The convention then went to the floor for discussions on the location for the 25th Annual Convention. Three locations were nominated, Florida, Las Vegas, and Cleveland Ohio. Cleveland failed to make the final cut, and the board then voted overwhelmingly for the 2012 convention to be held in the State of Florida with Nevada being selected as an alternate location.

After lunch the convention continued with the seminars for referees, judges, and inspectors. Perhaps most noteworthy was the presence of Emanuel Steward, who gave a fascinating speech on the obligations of those officials. It was a powerful speech in which he challenged those in attendance to protect the integrity of the sport.

“Boxing is a billion dollar industry,” commented Steward, “and we can’t keep having these controversial decisions with a lot of the same people involved.”

Steward also discussed the impact one bad call could have not only on the sport but also on the fighters involved.

“Fighters are training hard,” Steward said, “but it all goes down the drain with one bad call.”

Steward then challenged commissions that overworked referees and judges on major cards, citing instances when referees and judges are working from the four round undercard all the way to the main event.

“They are already physically and mentally worn out.”

Steward, who also commented on the importance of nutrition, then made a strong argument for the implementation of an instant replay.

“It’s all about making proper decisions and the proper calls,” commented Steward, “we have time in a fight. We have all this airtime and we can’t take five minutes to review a call in a twelve round fight?!”

From there the referees held their seminar, reviewing several of the high profile fights which involved controversy on the part of the referees. Clips were played of the Mayweather-Ortiz fight, the Hopkins-Dawson fight and the Abner Mares Joseph Agbeko fight. With an open discussion of the performance of all three referees in those fights, many in attendance gained perhaps the most useful lesson from one of the referees whose performance had been widely criticized in one of the aforementioned fights: Russell Mora, who was in attendance.

“I made mistakes in that fight,” admitted Mora, “I was too close to the fighters for the last knockdown and as a result I missed it.”

It was a lesson in mechanics that proved valuable for many of the referee’s in attendance, all of them recognizing that Mora was a very good referee whose mistakes in that one fight proved to be a disaster for not only Joseph Agbeko, but also himself in 2011.

      

            

      

            

      

             

     

              

   

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/wbo-convention-day-2-2-99758 

 

 

Story and photos by David Finger

The 24th Annual WBO Convention kicked off Tuesday morning with exciting developments in the form of a new title, new developments with the regional titles, and major developments in what is proving to be one of the most exciting additions to the WBO in recent years in its female champions.

The event kicked off with roll call, followed by an invocation from second Vice President Jacinth Bryan Labega. After approving the prior minutes from the 2010 Convention in Cartagena, Colombia, the WBO adknowledged several of the notable fighters who came out to support the WBO. Female champions Yesica Bopp from Argentina (the reigning 108 pound champion) and 115 pound champion Carolina Duer (also from Argentina) received warm ovations, as did WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight champion and #10 ranked WBO contender Chauncy Welliver. From there the president suggested a slight change in the agenda and moved President’s Luis Batista Salas Championship Committee Report to be done first.

A short video highlighting the accomplishments of the WBO’s “Kids Drug Free” program followed, showcasing the WBO’s commitment to continuing service to the community in places as diverse as Mexico and the Philippines.

However, Mr. Salas’ report did start off with a somewhat sobering reminder of the recent economic downturn suffered in Europe and the rest of the world.

“International boxing has become a victim of what the modern world is victim of,” commented Mr. Salas, “an economic monetary crisis.”

After Mr. Salas then thanked those members who came out to Puerto Rico he added some promising news that quickly lightened the mood. The WBO “had more championship fights than all other organizations,” MR. Salas proudly announced.

“Even though boxing is taking up a position of retreat, we have been able to remain firm because we have great champions and great promoters,” added Mr. Salas, “we held thirty nine championship fights so far this year. All the parts of the world have had participation with a lot of fights.”

Mr. Salas then commented on the integrity and openness of the WBO being a major reason for its success.

“In the past, sanctioning organizations were controlled by one promoter, or two or three at most. But this is a highly democratic organization, highly respected. Wherefore we have more than forty active promoters in the WBO. That is more active promoters than all the other organizations together.”

Mr. Salas then was able to add very promising news about one of the more recent decisions adopted by the WBO, the inclusion of female champions. When the WBO decided to sanction female championship fights in the 2008 Convention in Hungary, it was at times contentious and somewhat controversial with some boxing purist. But Mr. Salas was happy to announce the decision proved to be highly beneficial for not only the WBO, but for women’s boxing as well.

“Last year you approved championship bouts with women, and last year we had a very fruitful discussion. But women have been gaining ground and we have to respect the decision. I am of the opinion that women have done a service to this organization and I would like to that all of you for the bringing women into the professional championship world.”

Mr. Salas then offered some pleasantly surprising numbers that impressed many of the WBO attendees.

“Women only started last year, and (already) we had twenty six womens world championship bouts!”

Mr. Salas then acknowledged the boxing community in both Haiti and Argentina for their commitment and development of women’s boxing.

After Mr. Salas’ report, Mr. Adolfo Flores Monge presented the treasurers report. Despite the recent world wide recession that Mr. Salas referred to, Mr. Monge was happy to announce the the WBO’s revenue increased this year, and that over $115,000 was donated to the “Kids Drug Free” program, one of the largest charitable donations in boxing in recent years.

WBO attorney Andrew Horn then commented on the WBO continued commitment to not only it’s non-profit status, but also its commitment to combating poverty and service.

From there Juan Carlos Tapia presented an excellent video of the history of Puerto Rican fighters. The video was divided into three sections: fighters who were in the Hall of Fame, fighters who should be in the Hall of Fame, and fighters who will be in the Hall of Fame. The sheer volume of names on all three list was a testament to the vital and important role played by Puerto Rican fighters in shaping the history of boxing, and fans and attendees watched clips of such legends such as Carlos Ortiz, Wilfredo Gomez, Wilfred Benitez, Jose Torres, Edwin Rosario, Esteban De Jesus, Wilfredo Vasquez, and Felix Trinidad.

From there President Valcarcel moved to the regional vice presidents reports. But he was proud to announce the success of the newest WBO title: the WBO Youth Title. He then offered his congratulations to the success of the Cuban boxers and Joe Hernandez. However, President Valcarcel did offer his opinion that, in rare instances, the WBO had sanctioned fights that they should have reconsidered.

“We don’t approve fights with bums,” President Valcarcel said sternly, “sometimes we have a problem with fighters who become regional champions who are not qualified to be ranked.”

One of the major problems where this emerged was with fighters in Africa. President Valcarcel admitted that it was often hard to keep track of “real” records of some of the African fighters.

“Many African fighters don’t have a record,” commented President Valcarcel.

Vice President, and head of WBO Africa, Andrew Smale admitted that it was a problem in the past.

“Sometimes I have problems with fights in East Africa,” admitted Smale, “the problem is that we get the records from the commissions, which doesn’t have the same record as on Boxrec. The problem is to actually get these records verified you have to go back to journalistic records and video of the fights which is very difficult. It can be done but it is very difficult and time consuming.”

Despite the setback, President Valcarcel commended Vice President Smale for his amazing work in Africa and the strides made in developing boxing on the continent.

Despite the nature of the conversation, many attendees felt it was a sign of the transparency of the WBO that such a sensitive subject was being discussed in such an open manner.

The next report presented was NABO and WBO Intercontinental Executive Director Mark Reels.

The NABO did suffer a slight decline from the previous year, with twenty nine championship fights in 2010, and fifteen so far in 2011 it was looking like the NABO would come up slightly short of its previous totals from 2010. However, several unforeseen circumstances did seem to unduly lower the numbers. Several canceled fights and two vacant title fights resulting in uncrowned champions due to overweight fighters were cited. However, with a scheduled NABO title fight scheduled in Canada later in the year, it was looking as if the year would end strongly.

“As a former professional fighter myself I will not approve a fight with fighters of lesser quality,” added Mr. Reels.

The NABO, despite the slight drop from 2010, did have another profitable year with over $45,000 raised, and with six title fights scheduled before the end of the year, Reels was anticipating gross sales of over $61,000. Although Reels admitted it would be the lowest gross revenue the NABO collected since 2005, he was optimistic that the strong finish to the year, would lead to a strong recovery in 2012.

The WBO Intercontinental report followed, with exciting developments as the number of fights so far has increased from seventeen in 2010 to 27 so far in 2011. Much of the increase was due to Vice President Reels and member Edoardo Ceccoli’s exciting expansion of the WBO Intercontinental in the USA.

“In the previous year there were sixteen European Intercontinental title fights to only one in the United States,” commented Ceccoli, “This year there are 10 Intercontinental fights in the USA.”

After lunch Vice President Leon Panoncillo gave his Asia Pacific Report. Mr. Panoncillo’s success with the WBO Asia Pacific continued in 2011 with another banner year for the regional title.

Although there was a slight drop in revenue, in part due to the nature of the high profile David Tua title fight in 2010, Panoncillo was happy to announce the WBO was doing three times as many title fights as their competitors in the OPBF and PABA. With strong support from the Philippines, Thailand, and China, the WBO is continuing to grow in the region. Panoncillo commented on the success of not only the Asia Pacific championship (which held twenty seven fights in 2011) but also some of the other regional titles such as the Oriental title (which saw twenty one title fights in 2011) and the newest belt: the WBO Asia Pacific Youth championship, which saw ten championship fights in 2011. In all, Panoncillo and the Asia Pacific region saw over 59 championship fights in 2011, with revenue over $56,000. But Panoncillo also added that these fighters are seeing the fruits of their commitment to the WBO and vice versa. Many of the Asian fighters who recently were fighting for regional eblts now see themselves fighting, and winning, world titles.

Following Mr. Panoncillo’s report, Vice President Andrew Smale gave his report on WBO boxing. Once again Mr. Smale showed why he is quickly establishing himself as one of the WBO’s most valuable commodities, with further grown in the continent and what is looking very close to absolute WBO dominance of the boxing scene in Africa. Smale was proud to announce eighteen title fights in 2010. And so far in 2011, he has presided over seventeen with five future dates confirmed. It is rapidly expanding each year, and despite the difficulties promoters in Africa face, the WBO’s commitment to boxing in Africa is clearly paying huge dividends. Smale also commented in the increasing strength of boxing in Ghana, and the impressive nature of the numbers when compared with some of the rival organizations. The ABU (associated with the WBC) had only one fight in 2011, as did the WBC Intercontinental. The IBF Africa Championship has yet to do a fight in 2011. Smale closed by announcing that the WBO collected $21,400 in Africa so far this year, and he is optimistic that at least two African regional champions may get title fights in the coming year.

After Andrew Smale’s report,Vice President Istvan” Koko” Kovacs gave his report on the state of WBO Europe.

Although the WBO still is having problems with the actions of the European Boxing Union, the growth of the WBO Europe still remains impressive. In 2009 there were only two title fights. In 2010 it was up to twelve fights. So far in 2011 there have been eighteen fights, proving that 2011 will be a banner year for WBO Europe. Thus far, the WBO Europe has collected over $61,000 this year.

Next came Zhang Tao’s report on the state of the WBO China Region. With a successful debut in 2010 in a fight that hosted Mike Tyson as an ambassador, the boxing scene in China proved to be one of the most untapped and prosperous regions in the world for the sport. A televised fight featuring Heavyweight contender Chauncy Welliver in China (where he is affectionately nicknamed the Panda) was seen by over seventeen million people, making him one of the most recognizable fighters in the largest country in the world.

Markus Aslani followed with his report on female boxing in the WBO. He proudly announced the the WBO had over twenty six fights since the last convention, with over twenty this year alone. Aslani was also confident that 2012 would also see continued expansion.

John Duggan then gave a very brief report from the Grievance Committee, stating that 2011 was, thus far, “another good… problem free year.”

President Valcarcel did add that the problems with the EBU and the British Board of Boxing and Control may require more drastic action from the WBO in the form of litigation in the courtroom.

British member Dennis Gilmartin commented on the problems he had with the BBB when he was working on the promotional end of the sport.

“It’s a board issue,” commented Gilmartin, “they won’t recognize us . It’s not a promotion issue. I think it’s an issue between WBO and the British Boxing Board of control.”

President Valcarcel showed his growing frustration with the position of the EBU as well, addition that although they were working towards a resolution, litigation may be in the near future if nothing could be done.

“We are still working on that recognition. But sooner or later, I’m telling you, if we have to we will do something in Court. It is very expensive, but if we have to do it we will.”

Much of the dispute is around the alleged EBU position that the name “Euoropean Champion” remains their trademark, a position that Mr. Duggan (an attorney), finds offensive and preposterous.

“They can’t own the name ‘European champion’,” commented Duggan, “they don’t own that name. That name is owned by the people of Europe and the world. That’s why it is so arrogant that they take this position. It’s not their right to force a boxer to choose (between the WBO and EBU). It’s not there right to force a promoter to chose. It’s an offence to the law. It is very detrimental to the sport of boxing.”

WBO attorney Andrew Horn also commented on the legality of the alleged EBU position.

“What they are doing is an obstruction of free trade,” added Horn, “It amounts to anti-trust. They can’t restrict free enterprise. They own their name, the prefix. But not ‘European’. They have no honorable position. The WBO has been honorable not to take this to litigation, not to air this out in the courts, if we don’t get this worked out soon we have no choice but to work this out in the courts. I have recommended to the WBO that we file suit a long time ago. We never lost a case. I think most people are afraid to sue us. I think Paco has given it a tremendous run and done what he can to keep it out of court, but I think it has run its course”.

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/wbo-convention-day-one-99653

The weights are in for Saturday’s big event in Ludwigsburg. Marco Huck will defend his WBO cruiserweight title against tough Rogelio Rossi. In the co-feature, Dominik Britsch will face Billy Lyell in a middleweight contest, and Kubrat Pulev takes on Travis Walker in a battle of heavyweights. Photos by Photo Wende

FULL WEIGHTS AND PHOTOS

WBO Cruiserweight Title:

Marco Huck: 90 kg [198.4-pounds]

Rogelio Rossi: 89,6 kg [197.5-pounds]

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-weights-huck-vs-rossi-britsch-vs-lyell-pulev–45180

WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel today announced the referee and judges who will work bantamweight clash of champions between Nonito Donaire and Omar Narvaez in New York City. The referee is Benjy Esteves and judges are Julie Lederman, Thomas Schreck and Steven Weisfield. Supervisor is Richard de Cuir.

Valcarcel also announced the officials for WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck’s defense against Rogelio Rossi in Ludwigsburg, Germany. The referee will be Paul Thomas from the United Kingdom. Judges are Carlos Colon from Puerto Rico, Denny Nelson from Uunited States and Matteo Montella D’Airola from Italy. WBO Supervisor for this fight will be Edoardo Ceccoli.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/donaire-narvaez-officials-99198

Following an impressive September knockout over Daniel Jimenez, NABO Junior Lightweight Champion Eloy “The Prince” Perez will return to his hometown of Salinas, California on Friday, October 28 to square off against veteran Ira Terry in the 10 round main event of TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate” at the Sherwood Hall.

Perez vs. Terry headlines a night of world-class professional boxing presented by Don Chargin Productions, Golden Boy Promotions and Paco Presents, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. Doors open at 6:00pm, the first bell rings at 7:00pm and the TeleFutura broadcast begins at 10:30pm ET / PT.

Tickets, priced at $125, $75 and $50, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (831) 261-0532 or (831) 905-7354, at the 2stepsahead Gym (832 South Main Street, Salinas, California) and at the Sherwood Hall on fight night.

Currently ranked third at 130 pounds by the WBO, 24-year-old Eloy “Prince” Perez (22-0-2, 6 KO’s) is closing in on his long awaited shot at a world championship, but he’s not sitting idle. Instead, he’s opting to stay busy against tough competition until he’s cleared out all opposition in his path. In 2011, Perez has shutout longtime contender Roger “Speedy” Gonzalez, and successfully defended his NABO title against Alejandro Rodriguez and Daniel Jimenez, setting the stage for his October 28 battle with Terry.

Tennessee native Ira Terry (24-6, 14 KO’s) began his professional career with a hot streak, winning 24 of his first 26 fights, and the hard-hitting 24-year-old is not a boxer who gets discouraged easily. He is doubling his efforts in the gym and is refocused knowing that if he can issue Perez his first professional loss later this month, he will have resurrected his career in the 130-pound weight class.

http://www.proboxing-fans.com/eloy-perez-to-stay-busy-fights-for-2nd-time-in-2-months-against-ira-terry-oct-28th_102011/

World title hopeful Braimah Kamoko may finally be getting the recognition for a crack at the WBO Light heavyweight belt when he receives the WBO’s African boxer of the year award later this month.

Kamoko, famously called Bukom Banku has been nominated for the top award which will be given out at the WBO Congress slated for Puerto Rico October 24 to 29, ALL SPORTS can exclusively reveal.

It is an opportunity Banku relishes to state his case for a fight against incumbent world titlist Nathan Cleverly of Ireland who only last Saturday successfully defended the title against Briton George Bellew in what should have been a fight with the Ghanaian hot prospect.

“I say I’m ready to be the world champion and not even Nathan Cleverly can stand in my way. You know he is running away from me but I don’t think he can continue to hide,” a frustrated Bukom Banku says.

Bukom Banku who fights under promotional outfit Golden Concepts will be travelling for the WBO Congress with the GoldenMike Boxing Promotions team which will be led by Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Board Member Henry Manly-Spain and includes CEO Michael Tetteh, Benjamin Okai and Emmanuel Commey.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=221873

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – World Boxing Organization (WBO) will tribute all the WBO’s Puerto Rican champions during their Annual Convention, to be held in Puerto Rico in 2011, from October 24th to 29th at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, located in Isla Verde, Carolina, Puerto Rico.

WBO President, Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel announced that as a special recognition, this entity will tribute in Puerto Rico these former WBO World Champions since their establishment in 1988.

WBO former Champions from Puerto Rico are Héctor “Macho” Camacho at junior welter, deceased José “Cheíto” Ruiz superflyweight, John John Molina junior lightweight, José “Cagüitas” de Jesús junior flyweight, Orlando Fernández superbantamweight, Rafael del Valle bantamweight, Josué “Dicky” Camacho junior flyweight, Daniel “La Cobra” Jiménez superbantamweight and bantamweight, Álex “El Nene” Sánchez minimum weight, Samuel Fuentes junior welter, Daniel Santos welter and junior middleweight, Nelson “Fueguete” Dieppa en junior flyweight, Iván “Iron Boy” Calderón minimum and junior flyweight, Miguel Cotto junior welter and welter, Carlos “El Indio” Quintana welter, Juan Manuel “Juanma” López superbantamweight and featherweight, Román “Rocky” Martínez junior lightweight, José “Carita” López superflyweight and Wilfredo Vázquez Jr. superbantamweight.

Plus many activities for the guests, PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) will present a World Title Show during the WBO Convention. Also, in the Convention is expected the presence of some of the WBO Champions, former Champions, other boxers, known trainers, managers, promoters, officials, and other political, social and cultural personalities.

As always, at the Convention will be discussed various topics as rules, rankings, among others.

For reservations at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, can call 1 787 253-1700 Ext. 4161, 1 800 241-3333 or a accesing http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SanJuan/Default.htm.

More information at
www.www.wboboxing.com (www.facebook.com/WorldBoxingOrganization).

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2011/08/wbo-will-tribute-their-puerto-rican-champions-at-the-24th-wbo-convention-in-puerto-rico-on-october-24-29-2011/

World Boxing Organization (WBO), as part of the program “Kids Drug Free”, and All Star Boxing Inc., joined last night to give several students in Kissimmee Florida an inmediate scholarship for their college preparation in the 2nd Annual Scholarship Program Giveaway in this place.

Several students of the Osceola County School District of Kissimme received $1,000 as a scholarship to continue their college studies. WBO Ratings Comitee Presidente Luis Perez and Promoter Felix “Tutico” Zabala, gave the money to the students at the Kissimmee Civic Center.

The event was part of the show where Orlando Cruz knocked out Michael Franco for the featherweight WBO Latino title.

Remember, the 24th World Boxing Organization (WBO) Annual Convention, to be held in Puerto Rico in 2011, is scheduled to October 24th to 29th. For reservations at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, can call 1 787 253-1700 Ext. 4161, 1 800 241-3333 or accesing http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SanJuan/Default.htm.

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2011/10/wbo-and-all-star-boxing-in-their-2nd-annual-scholarship-program-giveaway-in-kissimmee-florida/

El presidente de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, anunció que además de los campeones y ex campeones mundiales que estarán presentes durante la semana de la 24ª Convención Anual de la OMB, otras importantes personalidades del pugilismo tendrán diferentes funciones en la actividad, que se llevará a cabo del 24 al 29 de octubre en el Hotel Ritz Carlton de Isla Verde, Carolina, Puerto Rico.

“Tendremos muchas figuras del boxeo, desde el primer día cuando se hará el torneo del golf, donde esperamos a Oscar De La Hoya (ex campeón mundial y ahora promotor), así como otros promotores y figuras del boxeo a nivel mundial”, dijo Valcárcel sobre la Convención del organismo, que se viene celebrando desde 1988. “También, como siempre, tendremos los distintos seminarios, y en el de entrenadores contaremos con Emmanuel Steward, mientras que en el de jueces y árbitros estará Joe Cortez”, añadió.

La Convención contará también con su tradicional cartelera, en la que se medirán los ex campeones mundiales, el puertorriqueño Iván “Iron Boy” Calderón, y el mexicano Raúl “Rayito” García, por el título interino de las 105 libras de la OMB, así como combates de los también ex monarcas del mundo boricuas Wilfredo Vázquez Jr. y Carlos “El Indio” Quintana en una transmisión de DirecTV para Puerto Rico como parte de su serie “Noche de Campeones DirecTV”, que será vista gratis para todos los suscriptores de DirecTV y su canal 161 de On DirecTV.

“El canal TV Azteca también estará transmitiendo la cartelera, que contará con la participación de muchos peleadores clasificados por diferentes títulos, y una pelea de féminas”, agregó Valcárcel. “Será una semana llena de boxeo la que tendremos del 24 al 29 de octubre”, remarcó.

TRANSMISIÓN POR EL BOXING CHANNEL

Por otro lado, Valcárcel también informó que los trabajos de la 24ª Convención de la OMB serán transmitidos por el Boxing Channel ( www.boxingchannel.tv ).

Más detalles sobre las diferentes actividades de la 24ª Convención Anual de la OMB, las peleas en la cartelera y su transmisión se estarán brindando próximamente.

Se espera la presencia, además, de entrenadores, manejadores, promotores, oficiales, así como figuras del ambiente político, social y cultural de Puerto Rico y de otros países. Además del programa boxístico mundial y de las actividades en distintos puntos, se discutirán, como todos los años, diversos temas de interés, reglamentos y clasificaciones, entre otros.

Artículo escrito por www.NotiFight.com