IBF New Year’s Message

By Daryl J. Peoples, IBF President

In 2011 the IBF/USBA experienced a positive growth in membership, activity and popularity. As we welcome in this new year we would like to take this opportunity to thank those who helped make this possible.

First and foremost we congratulate all our champions for their accomplishments in 2011 and wish them continued success in 2012. We thank all of the fighters who participated in fights sanctioned by our organization this year with the desire to keep, or obtain our crown. These fighters gave us many exciting fights in 2011, though there were some difficult moments. Yet, we look forward to what they all will bring to all of us in 2012.

We thank the boxing fans for their loyalty and continuous and unwavering support of the game and our organization. Many fans take on a greater responsibility with the sport and seek to directly voice their concerns. Whether the comments are positive or negative, we welcome this form of active participation by the fans as they help guide the boxing community towards the direction the sport needs to progress.

Lastly, we thank all the members of the boxing community, the media, officials, promoters, managers, trainers and all those who helped make 2011 a great year for the IBF/USBA.

We wish you all health, happiness and prosperity in 2012 as we look forward to another exciting year in boxing.

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WBC New Year’s Message

By WBC President Jose Sulaiman Chagnon

We left behind 2011, a year for the whole family full of boxing events that gave a new opportunity to boxing. People say that every year is a new opportunity to realize their dreams and the WBC is immensely pleased with our work and achievements over harvest this year, aware that there are still many things ahead.

Throughout the year we celebrated the birth of some new green and gold champions, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Mariana “Barbie” Juarez, Jhonny Gonzalez, Erik “Terrible” Morales and others. On the other hand Andre Ward won the super middleweight title, Bernard Hopkins became the oldest boxer to win a world title and Floyd Mayweather Jr. returned to win the world welterweight crown.

Also unforgettable were two epic battles between two of the greatest female boxers, Jackie Nava against Ana María Torres in a fight where we presented the first WBC diamond to the women. Women’s boxing is a reality and we crowned champions and named mandatory challengers to recognize their efforts.

Also I celebrated my 80th birthday and my 36-year anniversary at the WBC and would not change one second of my life. Boxing is my life.

The year went like the wind, a 2011 that ended with a flourish with the 49th Annual WBC Convention held in the bright city of Las Vegas, attended by about 90 champions past and present including legendary Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Marvin Hagler, George Foreman, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Larry Holmes, Oscar De La Hoya, Macho Camacho, Ken Norton, Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones, Mike McCallum, Azumah Nelson, “Chiquita” Gonzalez, Jose Angel Naples, Daniel Zaragoza, Carlos Zarate, Carlos Ortiz, Juan Laporte, Ricky Hatton, Terry Norris, Leon Spinks and many more who made very special moments.

In the WBC we are aware that we still have a long way to go, goals to achieve, and dreams to crystallize, however, we are confident that with the hard work and dedication of all those who’ve shaped this great family, we’ll achieve all our objectives.

The plans ….

The WBC is doing a great tournament, “The WBC World Cup” over 40 weeks including eight weight categories and will be televised in the U.S. and many countries around the world. The divisions will be: flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, heavyweight and super lightweight.

We will also take out the implementation of international visas, which will make it much more difficult for agents to use and manipulate the sick boxers who are not allowed to fight by their commissions.

We will continue with the implementation of instant replay and the announcement of the scores after the 4th and 8th round.

We provided living expenses for ex-fighters and are determined to give more support and a great legacy for the future.

We are confident that 2012 will be an unforgettable year as the World Boxing Council celebrates its 50th year, so every month there will be a celebration that is revving up toward the festivities at the 50th Annual WBC Convention to be held on the idyllic beaches of Cancun, Quintana Roo.

Thus, the WBC bids farewell to the old year and opens its arms to the new year, hoping to continue extolling the glories of sport that has given Mexico so much.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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WBA New Year’s Message

By WBA Vice President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza

New Year’s eve is the time of the year where all wishes, thoughts and expectations, travel through every corner of our mind. Boxing, good or bad, maintains its individualist atmosphere. It seems like time is still, and all the main players remain in a state of disunity and inequality. Excessive and caustic criticism will never lead to the harmony and comprehension necessary to reach a balance between economic power, fans’ needs, sanctioning body rulings and boxers’ benefits and development. America is the mecca of boxing and the dream for any boxer in the world. To date, the U.S.A. maintains its worldwide sports status.

The WBA had a very active year with a total of 80 championship bouts, including 23 interim and 15 super champion titles. Without any doubt the most criticized topic of the organization. While our goal is to increase boxing popularity and give more opportunities, another sector feels it is a form of adding confusion to the sport.

Perhaps, regarding interim titles, the WBA shall be vigilant as to the quality of boxers involved, consistent with the rules or even consider avoiding the topic altogether. The fact is any action will not stop the alleged proliferation. With so many young boxers and future legendary promoters starting from the bottom, and broadcasters demanding titles, other organizations may emerge. In the end we all form part of this community. Thus all your comments and concerns are welcome and considered with respect and understanding.

Another controversial point would be neutrality and officials’ performance in close bouts. Regarding the referees or judges, who are the face of fairness and justice in boxing, uniform criteria along with world title experience shall be guaranteed to participants. Within the current rules, local commissions must provide neutrality.

Coordination and agreement between major sanctioning bodies is necessary to face the same obstacle together. Working with promoters and TV networks is unfinished business to be pursue.

A close relationship with all boxers, and especially champions, listening to their concerns and thoughts would continue to be a top priority. After all they are the core of the business.

AIBA has made clear statements to expand its operation in the professional business or including pro boxers in the Olympics. Without any disrespect- the essence of amateurs is to build careers, facilitate the basics and respect for boxing. In these they shall focus.

Bringing back the importance of trainers, promoting seminars and certifications, is another task overlooked through the years. In the end, these mentors are the channel to bring hungry young kids a better way of living.

Happy New Year 2012!

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