New Era For AIBA Commissions Gets Warm Welcome From Boxing Community In Manchester

England Boxing hosts the 2016 AIBA Commissions at Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United Football Club, where an innovative approach promises to increase participation and improve communications among boxing bodies.

The 8 commissions gathered in Manchester this week to discuss three crucial issues facing the sport: headguard removal, competition structure and pro-eligibility. The discussions were held in the spirit of the innovative HeadsUp! campaign, the ongoing initiative launched in 2015 to propagate a greater responsibility for the health of AIBA boxers and the nurturing of their careers from inception through to retirement and beyond.

“AIBA’s 70th year is the perfect time to rejuvinate the annual meeting of our commissions. The topics under debate and discussion affect every level of our sport so it is vital that all of our commissions are heard on these crucial issues. The HeadsUp campaign has made important inroads and we look forward to acting on the valuable opinions we have heard over the past days here in Manchester”, said AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu after addressing the 110 attendees.

2016 sees innovative new approach brought in for AIBA commissions

The annual meeting took on a revitalised tone this year, with greater emphasis placed on improving dialogue and the percolation of information through all levels of the sport. The simple idea behind heightened engagement and participation of the commissions is to yield more information on the impact of the three topics under discussion for coaches, boxers and R&Js, take their feedback onboard and use it to come up with concrete solutions.

“These last 2 days are true evidence of the vitality of our sport and the commitment of the AIBA family behind the new initiatives proposed. Each 8 commissions worked for the 1st time under the HeadsUp framework allowing each member to openly discussed and contribute to the continuous growth of our sport”, explained Karim Bouzidi, AIBA executive director.

As well as the commissions giving their thoughts on headguard removal, competition structure and pro-eligibility, there will be cross-commission discussions on the topics for the first time. The improved flow of information and discussion is designed to give a greater openness and understanding of the changes taking place in boxing, and to influence the ways in which those changes could take effect.

Dr Ching-Kuo Wu AIBA President; Karim Bouzidi, AIBA Executive Director; Krassimir Ininski, Bulgarian Boxing Federation President; Pat Fiacco, Boxing Canada President; Bono Bosnjak, Croatian Boxing Federation; Paul Porter, England Boxing CEO; Osvaldo Bisbal American Boxing Confederation President

“The level of communication at this year’s commission meetings has been very positive for us. By empowering the full chain of commissions you inevitably get better input, and from there we will see better results, and changes that have a wider understanding and approval than ever before”, Chair of the Women’s Boxing Commission Joyce Bowen said after the event.

Paul Porter, CEO, England Boxing said: “It has been a great honour to host the 2016 Joint Commissions Meeting and play a part in the on-going development of the sport. We look forward to building ever closer links with AIBA and making a significant contribution to the future progress of the sport at all levels.”

AIBA signs MOU with Alibaba Sports Group, Alisports, Ahead Of Strategic Partnership Initiatives

International Boxing Association (AIBA) announced today the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Alibaba Sports Group (Alisports) to cooperate on a number of projects in order to support and enhance the development of boxing especially in the emerging countries and to increase the value of all AIBA Boxing competitions. This strategic MOU agreement brings together two highly complementary world-class entities and will establish a model for cross-border investments and cooperation between the largest online and mobile commerce company in the world and the International Boxing Association.

AIBA, celebrating it’s 70 years in 2016, will benefit from this strategic partnership that corresponds to the vision of AIBA’s President, Dr Ching-Kuo Wu in numerous ways. “We are very proud to partner with Alisports, their proven track record and ambitions will enable AIBA to make a giant step forward in terms of digital based activities for our sport“ highlighted Dr Ching-Kuo Wu. “We aim to build on their domestic successes and study a worldwide roll out of their capacities for the benefit of our National Federation members“.

Established in September 2015, Alisports, mostly invested by Alibaba Group, is devoted to building a base platform for international community sports economy with digital marketing model and maximizing the value of sporting events by using digital technology to transform the entire industrial chain of the traditional sports industry. Alisports is articulated around a value chain of 5 pillars, Event staging, Venue commercialization, Sports Media Outlets, Gaming and E-commerce. Through this agreement, Alisports intends to promote boxing as part of a healthy lifestyle and encourage more people, including women, to take up regular physical activities and make sport a central part of their personal environment.

CK Wu, President of AIBA and Jack Ma, Founder of Alibaba Group
in the Olympic Museum of Lausanne, January 23, 2016.

A strategic partnership across all AIBA Boxing competitions

Alisports strategy is to work closely with AIBA to pursue the development of boxing in all its forms and ensure that Boxing remains one of the most entertaining and appealing sport the world over. Mr. Zhang Dazhong, CEO of Alisports explained,” The nature of sports and Internet completely matches the objectives of AIBA’s mission, referring to marketing, entertainment and fairness. We hope to further promote boxing, inspiring more people to practice this unique sport. By providing fundamental technology infrastructures and marketing reach we will help AIBA leverage the power of the internet and establish an unprecedented online presence whilst conducting commerce with hundreds of millions of consumers and other businesses.”

Thailand Boxing Association Link Up With HeadsUp

Thailand Boxing Association (TBA) becomes another AIBA National Federation to join AIBA’s HeadsUp programme as Federation’s President Pichai Chunhavajira signed the HeadsUp! charter today during his visit to AIBA Headquarters in Lausanne.
“HeadsUp is receiving a very strong support among AIBA’s National Federations and the signing of the charter today with Thailand Boxing Association is another proof of the global endorsement of our programme within our boxing family. I am confident that TBA will become a valuable partner of AIBA in ensuring that our athletes and officials enjoy sustainable future in our sport”, said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

Thailand Boxing Association is the third National Federation in Asia to link up with HeadsUp and this step will help foster AIBA initiatives to promote the development and growth of boxing in Thailand and the region.

AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu with Thailand Boxing Association President Pichai Chunhavajira

“Thailand Boxing Association has always been committed to the development of our sport and with the signing of the HeadsUp charter we will be giving another push to our efforts to put boxers first. Thailand has a strong boxing history and through HeadsUp we will be able to ensure the sustainable development of our boxers”, said TBA President Pichai Chunhavajira.

European Boxing Confederation (EUBC) Lends Support To HeadsUp!

European Boxing Confederation (EUBC) President Mr Franco Falcinelli signed the HeadsUp! charter today during his visit to AIBA Headquarters in Lausanne. This is another step, which illustrates the strong support for this programme enhancing the values of boxing and ensuring its development from grass roots to professional level, especially in the European continent.

“It is another strong push for AIBA’s HeadsUp! programme as EUBC demonstrates its full support for our initiative to put boxers first. European Boxing Confederation is the biggest AIBA Confederation and I am confident that with this new step we will be able to implement HeadsUp projects in Europe with the support of our 50 National Federations”, said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

EUBC has become the second confederation to sign the HeadsUp! charter after Asian Boxing Confederation President Mr Serik Konakbayev was the first to support AIBA’s initiative at World Boxing Championships in Doha, Qatar.

AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu. With European Boxing Confederation (EUBC) President Mr Franco Falcinelli

“As EUBC President I am honoured to support the AIBA’s HeadsUp! programme. Through the Headsup! charter, we will collaborate closely with the National Federations in Europe to support local projects which epitomize the boxing values. We are fully committed to improve the perception of boxing in the years to come and HeadsUp is the perfect vehicle to achieve this objective”, said EUBC President Franco Falcinelli.

AIBA’s HeadsUp Initiative Rolls Out In Africa With Signing Of Partnership With Zambian National Olympic Committee

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has finalised a new partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Zambia to promote the HeadsUp programme in Zambia and the southern Africa region. Based upon the four core pillars of Sports, Health, Education and Sustainability, the HeadsUp charter was signed off in Lausanne by Mrs Myriam Moyo, President of the NOC of Zambia and Dr C-K Wu, President of AIBA.

In the spirit of the recently launched HeadsUp charter in Doha, Qatar, during the AIBA 2015 World Boxing Championships, the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Zambia will become a major boxing hub for the region, allowing boxers to use the facilities as well as coaches for training courses. It will also be the ideal scouting platform for promising local talent.

Mrs Myriam Moyo, President of the NOC of Zambia and Dr C-K Wu, President of AIBA.

“This agreement with the NOC of Zambia is a perfect fit for our HeadsUp initiative. By collaborating with the new Olympic Youth Development Centre, we will be nurturing future African champions and it is one step further in fulfilling AIBA’s role in Africa,” said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

Since 2010, the NOC of Zambia, in conjunction with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Government of Zambia have operated an Olympic Youth Development Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.

“We are delighted to partner with AIBA around the HeadsUp project as it will strengthen the boxing community not only in Zambia but in the entire region, and inspire future generations of women and men African boxers,” said Mrs Myriam Myo, President of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia.

HeadsUp charter was signed off in Lausanne by Mrs Myriam Moyo, President of the NOC of Zambia and Dr C-K Wu, President of AIBA.

About HeadsUp

HeadsUp is a global program developed by AIBA to promote the core values of boxing. The objective is to foster AIBA initiatives to promote the development and growth of the sport at a national and international level and to change the perception of boxing, enhancing the positive aspects of the sport including discipline, training and the sense of self that it imbues in all participants.

http://www.aiba.org/headsup/

AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu appointed Honorary Member of Federation International Cinema Television Sportifs (FICTS)

International Boxing Association (AIBA) President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu became the Honorary Member of the Federation Internationale Cinema Television Sportifs (FICTS) at a special Awards Ceremony organized during 33rd Milano International FICTS Fest, the worldwide event of Television, Cinema, Communication and Sport Culture attended by sports champions and institutional authorities.

As an Honorary Member Dr Wu received a “FICTS Golden Card”, which was delivered by Professor Franco Ascani, FICTS President, at the Auditorium Testori of Palazzo Lombardia in Milan.

“I am humbled and grateful to become the Honorary Member of the Federation Internationale Cinema Television Sportifs and I truly believe that by promoting sport through cinema and television we enhance the key Olympic values of Excellency, Respect and Friendship which are indeed consubstantial with the values of boxing. As an Honorary Member I am committed to support the mission of FICTS and all of its future projects”. Dr Wu said

FICTS – Federation Internationale Cinema Television Sportifs, is an organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which promotes the values of sport through images in its 113 member countries. The organization is led by Professor Franco Ascani, a member of the IOC Commission for Culture and Olympic Heritage.

Morocco’s Mohammed Rabii Named AIBA October Boxer Of The Month

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has named Moroccan welterweight Mohammed Rabii its Boxer of the Month for October. The 22 year old became Africa’s first ever gold medallist at the AIBA World Boxing Championships held in Doha earlier in the month, continuing an impressive run of form that included an unbeaten World Series of Boxing Season V with Morocco Atlas Lions team.

Moroccan welterweight Mohammed Rabii is AIBA Boxer of the Month

“It was an incredible feeling to win the gold in Doha after a lot of hard work and an intense training schedule, and I am honoured that AIBA have recognised that effort, too”, said Mohammed Rabii following the announcement.

An AIBA panel created the shortlist of boxers all of whom had put in exceptional performances in Doha, with the responsibility passed to AIBA’s social media followers to vote for their Boxer of the Month. Irish star Michael Conlan and French super heavyweight champion Tony Yoka were close seconds, but Rabii’s efforts had clearly captured the public’s imagination.

“Congratulations to Mohammed Rabii on his achievements in Doha and winning AIBA Boxer of the Month for October. It is with great pleasure that we saw the reaction of Morocco’s boxing fans to his gold medal win, which I have no doubt will help inspire Africa’s boxers to further success”, said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

Moroccan welterweight Mohammed Rabii with AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu

Katie Taylor and Jennifer Chieng honoured at ANOC Awards in Washington D.C.

Thursday night saw the second edition of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) Awards in Washington D.C. Held to recognise the achievements of the biggest stars from the five Continental Games that have taken place over the past 14 months, two greats of women’s boxing were among the athletes to receive awards.

Irish hero Katie Taylor and Jennifer Chieng from the Federated States of Micronesia received the Best Female at the European Games in Baku and Best Female at the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea awards respectively, underlining the huge impact women’s boxing has had since AIBA introduced it into the Olympic program at London 2012.

“These awards are a recognition of how far women’s boxing has come in the short time since we introduced it to the Olympic program at London 2012″ said AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu. “The women’s events have proved to be as competitive as they are impressive and a fantastic addition to the world of boxing, thanks in no small part to these two great athletes that I would like to vividly congratulate for their accomplishments”

Taylor’s gold in Baku was her 18th major international title, underlining a dominance of women’s boxing since bursting onto the scene in 2005 that she will be hoping to continue with a second Olympic gold next year.

“It was amazing to compete at the first ever European Games in Baku and to become the first ever women’s European Games lightweight champion. This recognition is extremely humbling and I am very grateful to ANOC for awarding me this honour. I am looking forward to travelling to Rio with the OCI and bringing home some more medals for Ireland.”

Katie taylor and AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu

The awards proved to be yet another milestone in the continuing growth of women’s boxing. Among those present at the star-studded ceremony in Washington as they collected the awards were IOC President Thomas Bach and ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.

AIBA World Boxing Championships 2015 come to a climax in Qatar…,

AIBA World Boxing Championships 2015 come to a climax in Qatar with ten outstanding champions and a groundbreaking blueprint for future competitions

The 2015 edition of the AIBA World Boxing Championships drew to a close on Thursday night, with ten World Champions crowned at the culmination of a historic tournament watched by millions of boxing fans around the world.

The competition was unveiled with a spectacular opening ceremony on October 5, with IOC President Thomas Bach adding his support to AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu and the historic first world championships in the Middle East.

“This has been a huge step for the global development of boxing. Bringing the AIBA World Boxing Championships to Qatar and the Middle East for the first time in history was really special, and it was tremendous to see the local communities in Doha coming out in their thousands to see the best boxers battle to be crowned world champions,” said Dr Wu.

“The organisers have been first class, from the spectacular arena to the incredible facilities for our boxers and the full logistical side of the event. Doha has really set a new benchmark for the AIBA World Championships, and I think it is safe to say that this was the best ever.”

No fewer than eighteen countries were represented at the semi-final stage, underlining the universal appeal of boxing around the world. In the gold medal matches, boxers from Azerbaijan, Cuba, France, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Morrocco, Russia and Uzbekistan competed for the title of World Champion.

Highlighting the importance of AIBA’s HeadsUp! campaign, there were no incidents of concussion during the 238 bouts. Officially launched during the championships with workshops for referees and coaches, the first phase of the ongoing initiative seeks to instil a more upright style and keep boxers’ health a priority.

For Mr Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, of equal importance as staging a first-class event was leaving a strong legancy for Qatar boxing. “This has been a defining moment for boxing in this region and as history was made, new generations of boxing talent are left inspired. We cherish the friendship and relationship we share with you and we will undoubtedly see Qatar continuing to be an integral part of the development of boxing here in the Middle-East and across the world. That is our commitment. That is our pledge..”

You can watch all the highlights from the 2015 World Boxing Championships, as well as all of the daily AIBA Championship Magazines on:
http://www.youtube.com/AIBAboxingTV
http://www.aiba.org

Aspetar Develops Sports Equipment to Protect Athletes from Orofacial Injury

The World Boxing Championship concluded today in Doha, and the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) President, Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu, expressed his appreciation for all of the effort and services provided by Aspetar. Dr. Wu stated that AIBA had selected Aspetar as the medical partner for the Championship due to its skilled staff, capabilities, and advanced facilities, all of which make the hospital a preferred destination for medical care of participants. He made these remarks during his participation in the Orofacial Trauma in Boxing conference, an event held by Aspetar in conjunction with the Championship.

Some of the world’s best doctors, both local and international, participated in the conference, discussing topics such as facial and dental injuries in boxing, oral health and sports performance, surgical management of mandibular fractures, oral injury prevention, and the effects of nutrition on oral health and sport performance.

Dr. Mohammed Alsaey, Director of Sports Dentistry at Aspetar

On the importance of this conference, and its role in exchanging and sharing knowledge between experts, Dr. Mohammed Alsaey, Director of Sports Dentistry at Aspetar, said: “Aspetar is a preferred destination for clubs and sports stars from around the world, and this motivates us to continually develop our sports medicine. This conference comes as part of our efforts to exchange expertise with some of the world’s most renowned doctors and specialists. Furthermore, the event highlights the leading role of Aspetar in sports medicine, in the region and the world.” He also revealed that the Emergency Dental Kit was used for the first time during this Championship.

The Emergency Dental Kit is an important tool for providing orofacial protection to athletes immediately, prior to reaching the hospital, and contributes to expediting treatment and recovery. The kit components include materials that will maintain the teeth in case of an incident during competitions or training, as long as the athlete is also seen by a specialist within 4 hours.

Dr. Abdelhamid Khadri, chairman of AIBA Medical Commission, indicated that boxers no longer use a head guard in men’s championships, adding that this decision was made two years ago following long-term studies and research with boxers. The latest on this topic was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine: “Our mission is to protect athletes and provide them with safety tools. Studies have shown that boxers who used the head guard registered a higher rate of concussion than those who did not use it, and therefore AIBA have decided to suspend the use of the head guard in men’s championships.”

On his participation in the conference, Dr. Khadri added: “Aspetar has a leading role in sports medicine, and organising this event reflects its position in this sector. The conference gathered doctors and specialists from around the world under one roof, and this helps us to create the sports medicine framework that doctors need in all sports, regardless of their different views.”

Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) President, Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu

Dr. Richard Knowlton, Team Dentist for the US Olympic Field Hockey Team, and past President of the Academy for Sports Dentistry in the US, said: “We are in great need of such medical conferences that gather together some of the best sports medicine doctors.” He added: “My presentation highlighted one of the most important elements for the safety of athletes, which is the use of the mouthguard. There is a lack of awareness and knowledge in the use of the guard, and 90% of athletes use it incorrectly, which can result in injuries. This conference gave me the opportunity to highlight the importance of, and the correct way to use, the mouthguard for athletes, not only in boxing, but also in other sports.”

Dr. Knowlton indicated that the ultimate objective is to provide protection and ensure the safety of all athletes, whether in competitions or training, adding that the efforts are focused on preventing sports injuries by using the mouthguard in the right way. This guard is considered one of the best preventative tools for reducing the risk of orofacial injuries.

It is also worth mentioning that Aspetar was the official, and exclusive, medical partner of the AIBA World Championship 2015. The hospital provided a number of medical services to the event, including an on-site team of doctors and experts who provided immediate care to athletes, as well as ambulances and a mobile clinic

AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu Leads Symposium On Oro-Facial Trauma

The first specialised Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in the region, Qatar’s Aspetar hospital was the focus of a symposium of worldwide specialists to discuss Orofacial Trauma in Boxing, held during the AIBA World Championships with a guest appearance from the International Boxing Association’s President Dr Chin Kuo-Wu.

Following the launch of AIBA’s HeadsUp! initiative to encourage boxers to adopt a more upright style in the ring, Dr Wu highlighted the importance of education as a key pillar in protecting boxers’ health.

“The safety of boxers is our top priority,” said Dr Wu. “There was a perception that headguards improved that, but our research shows concussions have actually dropped since their removal in 2013. The fact that there have been zero instances of concussion and just five cuts during the 2015 World Championships proves that we are on the right path.”

AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu leads symposium on oro-facial trauma

The AIBA Medical Commission have studied more than 11,000 bouts all over the world, and that analysis, along with workshops for referees and coaches, has continued in Doha. “Prevention is always better than treatment, and AIBA is one of the first boxing associations to have an integrated injury prevention program. We are taking a holistic approach to modify the boxers’ behaviour and encourage a more upright stance to minimise the risks to health,” said Dr Khadri, Chairman of the AIBA Medical Commission.

The symposium was held during the 2015 edition of the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha, the first time the competition has been held in the Middle Eas

International Boxing Association (AIBA) Executive Committee convenes in Qatar…,

International Boxing Association (AIBA) Executive Committee convenes in Qatar to confirm Hamburg as host city for 2017 World Boxing Championships

At a meeting of the AIBA Executive Committee on Tuesday morning, AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu confirmed that the German city of Hamburg has been successful in its bid to host the 2017 AIBA World Boxing Championships.

Following lengthy analysis of three bids, it was decided that Hamburg would be the perfect stage for the next edition of the competition, following in the footsteps of great cities including most recently Doha, Almaty, Baku and Milan.

“Hamburg proved its appetite for boxing when it held the APB finals in September, and the country’s capacity for hosting major sporting events like the AIBA World Boxing Championships is clear. After the phenomenal success of this year’s tournament in Doha and the important legacy we will leave for boxing in the Middle East, we will return to Europe in two years’ time for another thrilling showcase of boxing,” said Dr Wu.

Mr Jürgen Kyas, AIBA Executive Committee Member and President of the German Boxing Federation, was thrilled with the decision, saying; “The Qatar Boxing Federation has done an outstanding job in Doha, and this underlines the confidence AIBA has in our federation’s capacity to organise an event of this magnitude. We are already looking forward to hosting the world’s most exciting boxing tournament, and the World Boxing Championships Hamburg 2017 will be of huge importance to the continuing growth of German boxing.”

Following the meeting, AIBA Vice President and EUBC President Franco Falcinelli was swift to add his words of support for the city. “With Hamburg being awarded the 2017 World Boxing Championships, Europe is proud of hosting this major event for our sport in Germany for the third time after Munich in 1982 and Berlin in 1995. I’m confident it will be an amazing Championships in a city with a long boxing tradition​,” said Mr Falcinelli.

Michael Neumann, Senator of the Ministry of Interior and Sports of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg was thrilled with the news. “It is a great success for us and we will take the opportunity to show the world what we are capable of. My city is very grateful to AIBA for their decision,” said Mr Neumann.