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I have to say that my trip to
Cairo, Egypt, last week to
supervise two World Boxing
Federation title fights was an
extremely interesting and
successful adventure.
Arriving at the Cairo
International Airport waiting
for my visa to be processed was
a bit nerve wrecking
but once completed, I was
collected at the airport by
promoter Richard Nwoba and taken
to my hotel to join up with my
Executive Committee Vice
Chairman and top referee Ernst
Salzgeber from Austria.
The hospitality afforded to us
by the organizers and the proud
people of Cairo was incredible
and everything was organized
superbly. The weigh-in took
place without any problems and
we proceeded to conduct a
training course for the referees
and judges.
The enthusiasm at the course was
unrivaled and after a few hours
we concluded the training and
returned to our hotel.
The show took place in an
exquisite sporting facility, the
FITBOX Corner Gym, and the
fights were all exciting and
well supported by the
enthusiastic fans. While certain
issues could be tweaked and
improved slightly, as a new
emerging boxing country Egypt
can be extremely proud of the
outstanding event they staged.
The Egyptian Professional Boxing
Association were as professional
as any top boxing commission in
the world and their energy and
willingness to learn and grow
was wonderful.
Egyptian boxing star Andreas
Valavanis edged closer to a
world title fight with a tough
victory but what impressed me
more, was the exemplary behavior
of Valavanis and the humility of
the man. What a polite and
intelligent star we have waiting
to move upwards in the boxing
world.
The other WBF champion on the
night, Ayman Ashour, showed
vicious power and great
potential. With a bit more
fitness and greater dedication
he too can make it all the way.
And finally a big
congratulations to the promoter
and my new friend Richard Nwoba
for a brilliant effort. Nothing
was too much for the likeable
Richard and he and I spent much
time talking about the future.
Many big promoters worldwide
could learn much from Richard.
The WBF looks forward to
developing the talent in Egypt
as well as working with the
local commission in the future.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing
Federation
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