WBC Convention Update!

November 15, 2007

By Boxing Bob Newman

While the rains continued and intensified in Manila, Philippines, so too did the general meetings of the governing board at the 45th annual WBC convention. On tap for discussion were specific women's title bouts, sanctioning and associated fee restructuring, improving a relationship with AIBA- the world governing body for amateur boxing, instituting a substance abuse rehab program and more...

With the topic of sanctioning fees constantly being the source of critical discussion, especially from detractors of the sanctioning bodies, the WBC is continuing to look into the restructuring of it's fees related to sanctioning it's title bouts. The stance of the WBC is that with its world-wide operations base, continued research in health and safety of boxers, funds are constantly needed to maintain these efforts. President Jose Sulaiman also stood fast in his stance on the WBC's status as a non-profit organization. “The officers on the board do not earn a single penny for their work with the WBC.”

The organization also continues to search for revenue to meet its financial obligation to Graciano Rocchigiani, as mandated in a U.S. District court settlement.

Promoter Gary Shaw pointed out earlier that along with sanctioning fees for title bouts, there are fees for the supervisors, etc., and suggested that the WBC decide ahead of time what all of its fees will be so the promoters can make one payment, and not have to write check after check.

A committee was formed to continue working toward a reciprocal relationship with AIBA, amateur boxing's world governing body. The WBC is optimistic that new AIBA president Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu will be open to the notion.

The WBC has ordered an immediate rematch between new Super Flyweight female champion Myung-Ok Ryu and dethroned champ Ana Maria Torres. Their first match took place in North Korea, Ryu's home turf where the North Korean won a split decision some four weeks ago. The WBC voted that the rematch take place either in South Korea or Mexico.

WBC Flyweight champion Stefania Bianchini might be fighting a rematch of her controversial draw with Hawaiian Eileen Olszewski held in Italy, September 14. Bianchini must first fight her mandatory challenger, countrywoman Simona Gelasi, and the winner must face Olszewski.

A vote was approved to seek a convention site in 2010 in the United States. It will mark the first U.S. Based WBC convention in 16 years. The last was in Las Vegas in 1994.

The WBC will go ahead with plans to implement a rehabilitation program or former boxers worldwide with substance abuse problems.

The final gala dinner and awards ceremony was be held tonight at the Manila Hotel, recognizing the WBC's best in several categories.

WBC medals were given to attending Filipino Former Champions Rolando Navarrete and Rene Barrientos. Manny Pacquiao was unable to attend.

Other awards given to:

Bruce McTavish- Humanitarian award for his hospice work in his adopted home of the Philippines

Juan Carlos Tapia- for his diligent coverage of boxing via his periodical and television work in Panama

Frank Quill- Loyalty award or his continued hard work and dedication

Eric Buhain- for the incredible effort in putting this convention together

Canadian Promoters Interbox & GYM for putting boxing in Montreal back on the North American map

Stanislav Kashtanov- Youth Fighter of the year

Union Boxing president Yuriy Ruban- promoter of the year

JBC- Boxing commission of the year, accepted by commissioner Tsuyoshi Yasukochi