WBO Africa News – Post Convention
WBO Convention News
I have just returned from the WBO Annual Convention in Puerto Rico – held in beautiful San Juan (24th-29th October)…In between taking care of business – it was good meeting with old friends and making new acquaintances. The Convention was dedicated to founding President – Dr Luis Batista Salas who together with other flag bearers over the years – including current president Francisco Valcarcel – have established an organization which lives by its principles of dignity, honesty and democracy…
During the Convention, tribute was also paid to all the great Puerto Rican champions over the years…In attendance – were the current crop of champions – as well as champions of old. The most colourful being Hector ‘Macho Man’ Camacho…
All the reports submitted during the Convention, points to an organization with solid leadership, that is financially sound, that is growing in stature and that is entrenching itself as one of the foremost sanctioning bodies in the world.
WBO AFRICA…
Sadly not all African delegates who expressed an interest to attend – were able to attend. Deon Dwarte (South African boxing referee and judge) – was the only other South African in attendance. Other notable Africans in attendance was big Ola Afolabi – the Nigerian Cruiserweight – who is currently Nr.1 in the Junior Heavyweight division…
There is no doubt that the WBO Africa title is the most contested on the continent in comparison with other African continental belts on the continent. The WBO Africa title has been contested 22 times this year alone in Namibia, Ghana and France…All the other organizations together – could only muster 7 in total…Enough said!!
History was also made earlier this year – when Carlos Takam of Cameroon (23-1-0) fought Gbenga Oloukun of Nigeria (19-6-0) for the WBO Africa Heavyweight title in Paris, France…
Currently there are 14 WBO Africa champions:
| Division | Name | Fight Record | Country | World Ranking |
| Heavy | Carlos Takam |
23-1-0 |
Cameroon |
5 |
| Light Heavy | Braimah Kamoko |
22-0-0 |
Ghana |
2 |
| Super Middle | Wilberforce Shihepo |
16-6-0 |
Namibia |
11 |
| Middle | Kojo Issah |
13-1-1 |
Ghana |
Not ranked |
| Middle – Interim | Laatekwei Hammond |
18-5-0 |
Ghana |
15 |
| Welter | Samuel Colomban |
20-3-0 |
Cameroon |
3 |
| Welter – Interim | Bethuel Uushona |
26-1-0 |
Namibia |
10 |
| Light | Martin Haikali |
10-4-0 |
Namibia |
Not ranked |
| Light – Interim | Sarfo Tyson |
13-1-0 |
Ghana |
13 |
| Junior Light | Maxwell Awuku |
24-2-1 |
Ghana |
10 |
| Jnr Light – Interim | Osumana Akaba |
27-5-1 |
Ghana |
Not ranked |
| Junior Feather | Alfred Tetteh |
18-3-1 |
Ghana |
13 |
| Bantam | Paulus Ambunda |
17-0-0 |
Namibia |
3 |
| Bantam – Interim | Immanuel Naindjala |
11-0-0 |
Namibia |
15 |
WBO ARICA AWARDS @ The convention
WBO Africa Promoter of the Year – was awarded to Nestor Tobias of Namibia for the 2nd year in succession. Nestor has staged 4 shows this year alone involving 8 WBO Africa title fights…4 of the champions in his stable enjoy favourable world rankings and his loyalty to the WBO has not gone unnoticed…
WBO Africa Boxer of the Year – was awarded to Braimah Kamoko of Ghana (22-0-0)…the strong and talented Lightheavyweight who is currently ranked Nr.2 in the latest world rankings…
WBO AFRICA 2012…
Get ready – we are in for a bumper year in 2012. More promoters from other parts of Africa are coming on board. Some of our current WBO Africa champions stand at the threshold of world title fights…so watch this space
My Pledge as Vice President for Africa for 2012:
- Lead the Organization by upholding the values of Dignity, Democracy and Honesty
- To raise the bar…
In saying so – expect a few changes which will be communicated to you in due course!
WBO AFRICA FIGHT RESULTS.
- Paulus Ambunda (17-0-0) W12 Bongani Mahlangu (12-3-0) Windhoek, Namibia (5th November 2011)
Also check out our brand new WBO website – launched at the WBO Convention in Puerto Rico (www.wboboxing.com). Happy Reading!!
Until next time – KEEP PUNCHING