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In life one is prone to making
mistakes. We try to learn from
our mistakes in order to be
bigger, better and wiser for
future encounters. I too, like
everyone else have made
mistakes, but I do pride myself
on being able to accurately
judge people and personalities
literally within minutes of
meeting people.
When I went to Johannesburg last
week to meet with Francois Botha
and new promoter Damian Michael,
I was so impressed with the
enthusiasm and passion of
Michael who lives, eats and
sleeps boxing. More than that, I
found him to be an intelligent
and successful go- getter, and
since our first meeting,
Francois, Damian and I have
developed a fantastic working
and trusting relationship.
For a new promoter to stage an
incredible five (!) WBF world
titles on his inaugral bill
speaks wonders for this
energetic “new kid on the
block”. He has organized his
venue, the world famous
MonteCasino in Johannesburg, and
has delivered timeously on every
single promise he has
undertaken.
We at the World Boxing
Federation have associated
ourselves with some of the top
promoters in the world,
promoters with great pedigree
and with great integrity, such
as SES Boxing in Germany or HG
Boxing in Mexico, to name just
two. Without these promoters,
boxing would cease to exist and
thus they play a pivotal role in
keeping the greatest sport in
the world alive and thriving.
We are delighted to officially
welcome Damian Michael and his
promotional group ShowPony as
one of the WBF promoters. We
look forward to a wonderful and
lengthy relationship based on
mutual respect and open
dialogue.
I look at our show on November
19 and to see names such as
Francois Botha, Michael Grant,
Ali Funeka, Malcolm Klassen and
Ilunga Makabu to mention but a
few, I know with great certainty
that we at the WBF are headed
not only in the right direction
but at a fast pace to take our
rightful place as a leading
world sanctioning body. Others
just say it, we live it. Having
said that, we will remain
humble, transparent and
consistent in our approach to
professional boxing. Welcome
aboard Damian Michael and
ShowPony!
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing
Federation
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