2018 IBF Convention, Day Two

By Boxing Bob Newman

Day two of the 35th annual IBF convention began with a memorable jaunt to Italy’s highest peak- Monte Bianco, aka Monte Blanc on the French side of the Alps, aka White Mountain. The entire trip including the two-stage gondola cable ride to the top and lunch from the midway observation point lasted roughly five and a half hours.

While temperatures back in St. Vincent were in the 60s at the start of the trip, the temps up at the summit were less forgiving: 32°. Between the clouds due to the 11,371 ft. altitude and the blinding snow, visibility was zero from the top deck. By lunchtime however, there was some break in the clouds, a little sun and some breathtaking scenery. The tour wound up roughly an hour early, allowing delegates time to relax before the “Meet the Champs” event at La Rascard Salon et Terrasse.


Special guest speaker Craig Stephen of Scotland emceed the event. After a fabulous meal of pasta Carbonara, whole shrimp and much more, it was time to meet the champs from near and far. Among the celebrated guests were:

*Former WBO,WBA,WBC & IBF Minimumweight champ Katsunari Takayama
*Former IBF Lightweight Philip Holiday
*Former WBA Featherweight champ Barry McGuigan
*IBF Female Featherweight champ Jennifer Han
*Former WBA Jr. Featherweight champ Victor Callejas
*Former IBF Featherweight champ Lee Selby
*Former WBA Welter and IBF Jr. Welterweight champ Paulie Malignaggi
*Former Heavyweight title challenger Carlos Takam
*Current British champ/former WBO Heavyweight title challenger Hughie Fury
*Current WBC International Silver Super Flyweight champion Jaime Conlan
*Current IBF Pan Pacific Super Welterweight champion Jamie Weetch
*Current IBF Female Super Flyweight champion Debora Dionicius

Last but not least, two homegrown former champs from Italy:
*Former WBO Heavyweight champion Francesco Damiani
*Former IBF Welterweight champion Michele Piccirillo


WBA board members Jose Oliver Gomez, George Martinez and president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza were also on hand as special guests at the convention. President Mendoza took to the lectern for a few moments to speak about the continued friendship not only between the organizations but between President Peoples and himself over the last twenty years. Mendoza pledged to continue the goals of the betterment of boxing for the fans and fighters themselves. He presented Peoples with a miniature WBA belt as a token of their continuing friendship.

Lomachenko to undergo shoulder surgery
The 12th Round: The presidential pardon of Jack Johnson

Top Boxing News

PLEASE READ
We have a few rules to make our comment section more enjoyable for everyone.
1. Keep comments related to boxing.
2. Be respectful, polite and keep it clean.
3. Personal attacks will not be tolerated.
Offending posts will be removed.
Repeat offenders will be put on moderation.
>