World Boxing Association President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza came to the Global Boxing Forum in Ekaterinburg, Russia, with only one mission: To reach for a solution to the problems that boxing currently faces. The leader of the oldest boxing organization in the world debated with other prominent figures in world boxing such as WBO President Francisco Valcárcel, IBF President Darryl Peoples, Umar Kremlev and Stephan Fox.
The situation of the AIBA, amateur boxing and professional boxing were the principal topics of conversation. Mendoza made it clear that his intention was to collaborate on the situation and achieve a successful solution; In addition, the WBA President emphasized that this is about putting boxing first.
“The first thing is boxing, the second is boxing, and the third is boxing. Later we can talk about business,” stated Mendoza.
“There is a question about Olympic boxing and we all know that the AIBA is suspended. We’re here to look for a solution and demonstrate to them [the IOC] that we can work together. Finding common ground is no problem for us because we’re in this together,” he continued.
Many points were touched on in the boxing business, including a discussion about very high profile celebrity fighters like Floyd “Money” Mayweather, who successfully exploited the commercial side of the sport. The WBA leader gave his opinion on the Floyd case in front of all forum attendees.
“He was one of the best boxers and is a great example for his training. His lifestyle was different, not the best and may not have been a good thing for some, but it was motivating. Not everyone has the chance to do what he did,” he said.
After talking about Floyd, Mendoza spoke about the other end of the spectrum: Muhammad Ali. “Ali’s case is different. He showed the values of the sport. We have something different here. The most important thing is boxing, but we don’t have Ali and Floyd every day, so we have to support those who are in the spotlight now.”
Among the projects Mendoza proposed for the development of boxing was one he hopes to achieve with the help of all.
“We must create a sports center. This is the most important thing. Not everyone has a family. These children need a safe path without conflict. They haven’t had the opportunities others had and they have to fend for themselves,” he said.
One of Mendoza’s priorities has long been the creation of a WBA Academy for the training of technical staff, coaches and all related personnel needed for the systematic development of boxing.
If they really cared about anything other than their fees for paper championships, they would work to have one honest organization to replace what is there now.
Coming from him, it means a lot.. Boxing Boxing and Boxing comes first otherwise the sport will die.. that is the main reason MMA has been so popular.. the true winners of a fight win! Good for the public, good for the fan, good for gambling.. all other is corruption.. please listen to this man.. he comes from a background of boxing since he was a baby.. he knows boxing better than most because of his unique access to the background business of boxing since he was a kid…
After reading this, I think that I am going to vomit (violently).
THIS MAN IS SINGLE HANDEDLY RUINING THE SPORT WITH YHE PROLIFERATION OF BELTS. Shame on Fightnews for shining any light on him in the name of “journalism.” Protect our sport and don’t treat the WBA as an ally.
this is all B S all of
the fighters deserve a bigger share of the income if you have a 100 million dollar main event and the fighters on the under card in a 4-6 round are getting maybe a thousand dollars it takes a certain amount of rounds to make a show why don’t they all get some of it .I have made proposal to the state of Texas that all revenues from tv a,payperview and gate just like all of the other major sports should be put into some type of funds to help these fighters now and in the future fighters of course will have to put a portion themselves if they want to participate I cannot see why they wouldn’t it all adds up .This is the 21st century boxing is the oldest sport but yet still being run like the early 1900 . I can name you maybe 5 fighters after boxing that had chance George foremannet worth 300 million,floyd mayweather 30 million ,Ray Leonard around 100 million.Larry holmes ,maybe Hagler, Oscar Dela hoya are worth millions sjort list as i said .There is no work in the sport for them health care doesnt exist until they are old enough for medicare .Its time to share !!!!! I am a promoter and would gladly participate and I have helped a lot of them in the past