WBC convention in Hamburg concludes

Mic sync at the WBC Convention should be like kissing your Wife

The final session of the World Boxing Council’s 62nd Convention, which is in Hamburg, was held in a cozy first floor salon of the magnificent Grand Elysee Hotel.

Vice President Houcine Houichi told the story of how through Adidas, there started a connection with the WBC and one of its earliest belts. How Don José Sulaiman was elected President in Tunis when there were just twelve members.

The formation of the African Boxing Union and the legendary Rumble in the Jungle. Some of the early highlights of Houcine’s fifty one year association with Boxing, and counting.

Then, on to the Awards Session, with the trophies being sent to the winners asap.
Work horse award to Anson Wainwright. Thirty eight Consecutive Conventions to Mr Consistency Mauro Betti. Committee Chairman of the year, Thanapol Bhakibhumi, Commissioner of the year, Charlie Giles. Confederation of the year, the EBU.

Most valuable player, Kevin Noone. Lady of the year, 99 year old Miss Nagano, Goodfellow prize, Mike George. Committee Member of the year Dr Ricardo Monreal and Marcis Arienti. Loyalty Award, William Boodhoo. WBC Ambassador of the year Mykolaiv Kovakchuk. Dr Gerald Finerman Medical Award, Dr Louis Rodriguez. Man of the year, His Excellency Turki Al Sheikh.

The report of the Medical Committee from doctors Paul Wallace and Ricardo Monreal.
It examined genetic identity. The WBC policy is that men fight men and women fight women. And that testing for all is vitally important, especially for safety reasons.

Mental health was also outlined by Dr Sanford Silverman stressing there is no stigma to boxers having a psychologist on their team. BoxMed is available on the WBC University platform. The Medical Committee advised about holding a third Medical Congress.

Hand wrapping was an issue of interest. Michael Moorer said during his career, tape and then gauze was applied to his hands. In the nick of time Cutman maestro Vic, agreed with application.

The concern of weight shedding came to the fore. Dr Wallace warned there are still some boxers who are trying to lose up to fifteen percent of their body weight in just seventy two hours…horrendously dangerous.

The effects of marijuana were discussed, with the realization that although not enhancing performance, it dulls the wits, slows reaction time and increases the amount of blows taken, because the person is slower.

Dr José Armando Ahued the former Secretary of Health of Mexico City was presented a medal for his outstanding and dedicated work for its citizens and the sports world.

Sean Gibbons accepted a WBC belt to be presented to Tommy Morrison’s Widow Trisha. His life was boxing and she carries on his legacy.

The Ring Officials have been busy at this Convention, which two hundred attended, but…a cautionary note about the double edge sword of social media, which can bring good, but also cause harm.

The introduction of promising welterweight Avious Griffin from Tennessee, who is 16-0, with 15 KO’s. Accused of a murder he didn’t commit, he was jailed for a year before being released. He will soon contest the USABC title.

Don Majeski pondered the current rigidity of judges’ scoring cards, suggesting future flexibility and open scoring. The current cards have sections to fill in with close, moderate, decisive or extreme.

A presentation of Crypto Fight Night by its creator Rhaul Suri. A WBC Committee will be established for this.

Billy Dib who leads the Financial Wellbeing of Boxers Committee is advising them to follow his Uncle Sid’s advice and invest in property, rather than fast cars or jewellery.
The WBC wants to institute a financial investment program so boxers can retire with dignity. Michael Moorer who invested his money in assisted living housing and shuns jewelry, is appointed to this committee.

Boxing Great Alfonso Zamora frankly, honestly and bravely revealed how he had squandered a fortune on women, drugs and alcohol. He advised dedication to the gym but to also study towards a post fight professional career.

The average boxing career spans just 4.6 years. Eighty percent of sporting stars eventually file for bankruptcy.

Xochitl Lagarda gave a very thorough report on the WBC University, which offers judges, referees and supervisors courses tutored by the finest of the WBC.

There are regular talks and seminars. Boxing education knows no boundaries. Jorge El Travieso Arce has gained his high school certificate via the WBC University while Erik Morales has gained a degree in business administration.

Mykola Kovalchuk gave a report on Ukraine, where there have been six title fights this year and four more scheduled. A delegation of wounded Ukrainian solders were taken to the first Usyk Vs Fury fight.

The work of eight finalist for the Rumble in the Jungle Art Contest which will be judged by the Governors.

The Great Don José described himself as the ham in the sandwich. In that glorious tradition Mauricio has done a sensational job of leading and coordinating a massive Convention. By far the biggest in Boxing.

Bismarck Morales proposed a round of applause which led to a standing ovation ovation. Earlier Mauricio had asked and requester those who took the microphone to keep it close to their lips to insure clear and audible level, suggesting: “Just take to it, like you were kissing your Wife.”