WBC Convention Epilogue

Wrapping up all the loose ends, unfinished business and some presentations on the last day of the World Boxing Council Convention in Acapulco.

It’s been announced that next year’s shindig will be in Kazakhstan, if peace prevails in Ukraine, with the region stabilizing. Third time lucky for Kazakhstan?

Mykola Kovalchuk, President of the WBC Ukraine Office gave a heartfelt and heartrending presentation including a filmed report about the devastating effects of the war by Russia stressing: “We can’t be beaten or broken. Now we have adjusted and we will move forward.

“With the help of the WBC and WBC Cares at the beginning we can never say enough, how grateful we are.”

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said: “We stand side by side in support. We will always be there for Ukraine.”

The WBC Muay Thai annual report included a report of a summer camp for children. The WBC continues it support keeping its promise to the Royal Family there and there will be the boost of a relaunch.

Then the Medical Report by Committee Chairman Dr Paul Wallace who has been awarded Physician of the year, by the WBC.

He said there was a frank and successful discussion about physical impairment, neurological imaging, older fighters and strengthening the neck muscles of women boxers.

Dr Beatrix Raudseus spoke of the higher acid level concentrations in the systems of women fighters as they have different metabolisms than men.

Dr Bianchi Davide explained how fighters over forty lose body mass, brain fitness most be monitored and also psychological tests.

Dr Ricardo Montreal gave a report on transgender boxing mentioning the suspension of testosterone for a year which does make a difference. There are lung and heart advantages transgender fighters have over women boxers.

The WBC is suggesting the establishment of a transgender boxing league. Bouts between women and transgender boxers will not be allowed.

WBC Cares now extends to twenty five countries and brings joy, comfort, hope inspiration and support to thousands of children via visits of boxing stars and volunteers to hospitals, orphanages and community centers. Their message is:”please reach out to us.”

Members, delegates and everyone is being asked to help in a meals for street children in India. Seventy children are being helped so far with meals costing one dollar and forty cents daily.

The WBC University which was established in 2018 is the Boxing University. It has twelve programs and more than four hundred students with more than half a million viewers globally. Its Director Xochitl Largarda gave the report. And some of its graduates were on hand to receive their diplomas at the Palacio Mundo Imperial Hotel.

In an important and historic announcement WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced there will be a pilot program starting early next year for some men’s fights to be held over ten rounds each lasting two minutes.

WBC Iran Representative Reza Djabbapoor gave a report to the WBC including a film. He has had meetings with senior government officials who are receptive to the quality of the WBC.

He has arranged amateur and professional boxing tournaments and the creation of the WBC Iran Belt has created a significant impetus.

Reza says the ambition is for a WBC world champion to emerge from Iran within the next few years.

Associate Taylor Gillespie of White & Case LLP in New York City explained some common legal pitfalls in the boxing world. He pointed out that many of the most common issues could be mitigated through contractual provisions.

The fighting dentist Dr Arthif Daniel gave a presentation about oral hygiene which is so important for boxers and the rest of us.

The disease of the gums affects the surrounding tissues, manifested by bleeding and you must see your dentist. If untreated it can affect the bone, teeth can loosen and be lost. Proper regular brushing especially at night before you go to sleep is essential.

He urged people to contact him for more info. To be down in the mouth can affect the rest of your body. Although he’s a pro boxer with the nickname Hitman, Arthif is most approachable.

On to the cartoon competition which was won by Alain Amirkhanian with a depiction of Canelo as a super hero character.

Soon there will be a WBC Kids Section which will teach and coach boxing in schools and communities all around the World.

A total of 1,683 people registered for this Convention from 112 countries. That’s the scale and the scope of the World Boxing Council.