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Again a crazy month, having been
at five events, plus a visit to
the Mediterranean island state
of Malta to train boxing judges
and referees, as part of the WBF
Education Program.
It’s extremely rewarding as the
President of the World Boxing
Federation (and an ex-school
teacher and Principal) to
witness ring officials wanting
to learn and grow as a result.
I was hugely impressed with the
group of eight officials from
Malta with respect to their
knowledge, their willingness to
learn but mostly by the massive
enthusiasm shown by the
delegates.
There were countless debates,
arguments, proposals and
insights as I put these
officials to the test – a test
they passed with flying colors.
My gratitude goes to Frank Borg,
Demis Tonna and everyone else
for the incredible hospitality
shown to me during my short
stay.
I also had the pleasure of
having lunch with Donny and
Christi Lalonde as well as the
talented light heavyweight Malik
Zinad. Remember, former world
champ Lalonde is helping to
build the WBF as a member of our
Advisory Board and Maltese
representative.
I hope to return to this
beautiful island in the near
future to see the officials in
action.
We also had the pleasure of
working with some really
excellent Southern African
promoters this month, including
Andre Thysse, TLB Promotions,
Dida and Salute Boxing Academy.
The unbeaten Xolisani Ndongeni
had a torrid time against the
wily and unorthodox Abraham
Ndauendapo winning a narrow
points decision, and moving to
24-0 and acquiring our world
lightweight title.
Often, boxing spectators gun for
the underdog, and young Emmany
Kalombo knocked out favorite
South African champion and
two-times world title challenger
Nkululeko Mhlongo with one of
the biggest right hands seen in
South Africa for many a year.
Let’s not forget the class of
former Olympian Jackson Chauke
who oozed talent winning the
International title and soon,
all things being equal, will
fight for the world title.
Thato Bonokoane remains on track
for a title shot but will need
to fight better quality
opposition to see if he is in
fact as good as he’s made out to
believe.
Namibia also continued to
produce champions with young
Nathaniel Kakololo joining our
list of champions and the Cowboy
Nashivela continues to rise in
the ratings.
That is Africa alone, but in
addition we staged several other
title fights around the world.
While April was a busy month,
May looks to be even bigger.
Time to breathe for a few days
and next on my list is a trip to
my good friend Hoo Sik Choi in
South Korea for a World Boxing
Federation title fight just
outside Seoul.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing
Federation
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