Boxing 

The WBA Asia Convention 2024 opens in HCM City on August 9. Delegates will discus about the sport development and related issues. Photos of Shadow Entertainment

HCM CITY — The WBA Asia Convention 2024 began on August 9 featuring nearly 200 delagates from Asian and world boxing organisations in HCM City.

Among them were  World Boxing Association (WBA) President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, WBA Asia General Secretary Won Kim, and WBA Asia Vice President Zhang Hui-Hua.

Other participants included representatives of Vietnam Boxing Commission, promoters, investors, professional organisers and famed boxers from more than 20 countries and regions in the world.

Mendoza praised the convention's organisation and affirmed that this event would bring many development opportunities for professional boxing not only Asia but also Việt Nam.

He said the Vietnam Boxing Commission's (VBC) ability to host such a continent-level conference confirmed the local agency was doing a good job in developing the sport in the country.

(From left to right)  President of the Việt Nam Boxing Federation Lưu Tú Bảo, WBA President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza and WBA Asia General Secretary Won Kim at the convention.

Speaking at the event, President of the Việt Nam Boxing Federation Lưu Tú Bảo shared: "The recent establishment of VBC marks a historic moment in defining new forms of organisation and management of professional boxing in Việt Nam.

"We are committed to ensuring comprehensive development and providing a clear roadmap for our country's boxers to rise to the world stage."

The convention which will see delegates discussing issues related to the sport in the region and future developments will continue until August 11.

There are also other activities held during the three-day event including a launch a new title to find the champion of each WBA Asia country; LEAD: WBA Asia Vietnam Tournament and a training course with certifications for referees and judges. VNS