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A brand new year – a time to set
goals, to outline aims and
objectives. It is a time for
hard work, commitment and
inspiration.
What better way than to use an
example of a young lady who
epitomises courage,
determination and is an
inspiration to millions. A woman
who leads by example and a woman
whose actions can be an
examplary to all of us as we
pursue our dream and vision of
taking boxing to a higher level
and to ensure that the World
Boxing Federation rightfully
assumes its place as one of the
world's top sanctioning bodies.
If we could all take a leaf out
of this amazing woman's book,
the world and boxing would
certainly be a better place.
Of course this incredible lady I
am speaking about is Rola El
Halabi. Her story is simple –
the world at her feet, a fighter
with great potential, suddenly
had everything taken from her
when her stepfather burst into
her changing room almost two
years ago, crippling her career
by shooting her in her knees,
arms and hands.
Doctors feared for Rola's life,
and she was told that she would
never box again. Refusing to
accept the prognosis, Rola
determinedly fought back – she
fought the hardest fight of her
life, that was the battle to get
back to boxing and to the top.
In December, Rola fought for the
WBF world lightweigh title in
her first fight back. One would
have assumed that she would have
asked for a relatively easy
fight for her comeback, but not
Rola. She went in against one of
the toughest ladies around in
Lucia Morelli a former champion
herself.
In a great fight, Morelli
emerged the new WBF world
champion. However if one looks
at what Rola has achieved since
that fateful night of the
shooting, Rola is an even bigger
champion. She is a champion of
life. She has conquered the
virtually unconquerable. She has
proven to be the most incredibly
inspirational woman around and
an example to all.
We at the WBF salute you, Rola.
We wish the world takes notice
of your story and is as inspired
as we are. The WBF are moved by
you and your determination and
will endeavour to emulate such
commitment and determination.
And, yes – I can assure you,
Rola will be back soon –
fighting for yet another WBF
world title in the near future.
You are a great champion, Rola
El Halabi!!!
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing
Federation
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