Update: WBA/WBC/IBF meeting

By Gabriel F. Cordero

The WBA, WBC and IBF have concluded their meeting in Cancun this weekend where they announced the beginning of a new cooperation between them. Present were WBC president José Sulaimán, WBC executive secretary Mauricio Sulaimán, IBF president Marian Muhammad, WBA executive vice president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza and attorneys Gabriel Peñagaricano and Robert JB Lenhardt. The meeting was a result of an initiative by the IBF.

“This is the next great step in the evolution of our sport,” said Muhammad. “The world of boxing is waiting for true leadership, and in our alliance we have the capacity to provide and to reinforce that leadership.”

Gilberto Jesus Mendoza commented, “My expectation is that we can continue with the good things and to tighten the relations of the organizations for the development of the boxing.”

Among the items discussed were a study of several important innovations for world championship fights with emphasis on drug testing and continuous improvement and standardization of performance of officials through formal reviews and seminars. Also they will search for ways to increase the opportunities and equality for boxers and promoters as well as seek to improve and to maintain high levels of cooperation between the sanctioning organizations and United States boxing commissions, as well as the American Association of Boxing Commissions.