“We will welcome them to the number one island and tourist spot in the world,”
– Baham Mitra Chairman of OPBF
OPBF Convention, November 9 to 12 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
The OPBF conventions keep getting better and this year, the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Convention will hold its event at one of the worlds best islands and tourist spots in the Philippines.
With the recently concluded Boxing conventions from top boxing organizations like WBO, WBA, and WBC, it is now time for the OPBF to showcase and host delegates from members of the federation including representatives from Australia, Fiji, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, PAMA, Republic of China, Samoa, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga and the Philippines.
Baham Mitra, the current Games and Amusement board Chairman, a former governor of Palawan, as well as the newly named President of the OPBF is very much excited to welcome the delegates and is very optimistic in OPBF boxing. He believes that the boxing industry in the region has improved and will continue to do so in the years to come.
In his term, he looks to further improve relationships with the member countries by re-engaging inactive members and requesting them to participate, share ideas and comments. Mitra who recently had a breakthrough with Philippine boxing as he spearheaded the initiative of the athletes’ healthcare program which includes free medical checkup and CT scan for all professional boxers, a feat that has gained GAB as well as himself a commendation during the WBC convention and has earned the 2017 WBC Commission of the Year Award.
Mitra was nothing but thankful.
“This is a recognition of all the Board’s hard work and dedication to improving boxing in the Philippines. The WBC is the oldest and most prestigious boxing organization in the world with so many countries/commission as members and it is a great great honor for GAB and the Philippines to receive this citation and award, I think it’s the innovations we have instituted thru transparency, participation, and dedication plus of course love for boxing that was recognized”, – Baham Mitra said.
Baham Mitra accepting the Commission of the Year award at the recently concluded WBC Convention
Transparency, Participation, Dedication, and Love for Boxing
These are the things that embody the organization and the new OPBF Chairman will continue to translate these into actions and on his first OPBF convention as a chairman, he wants nothing more than to verbalize his plans and engage with all the members.
The convention proper will start on Thursday, November 9 and will be opened by Baham Mitra himself, President of OPBF. Welcome remarks will be delivered by special Guest of Honor WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman which will then be followed by the recognition of each of the member country representatives. A cultural show will spice up lunch in the afternoon followed by an executive meeting, legal updates, and boxing rating. The first day will be capped with Gala Dinner and Awards.
Friday, November 10 2nd day will be full of seminars, starting with OPBF Referees and Judges’ seminar which will be headed by Gene Del Bianco and Steve Weisfield. A talk about Medical Aspects in Boxing will also be discussed by Dr. Redentor Viernes, GAB Chief Medical Section. At around 4 pm, the much awaited 4 title bout boxing event will kick off and the night will culminate with a fire dance show to further heat up a night full of action.
Saturday, November 11 will be the time to relax for the delegates as OPBF sponsors a tour at the world famous Palawan Underground River. A City parade and a number of surprise boxing activities are also on the itinerary.
Sunday, November 12 will be the closing ceremonies and distribution of certificates of attendance.
Powcast.net Coverage
One of the innovations of Baham Mitra and the Games and Amusement Board is to adapt with the digital market and Internet of Things. Baham Mitra recognizes the opportunities and the challenges of today’s sports industry and has implemented a number of digital innovations to help him bring forth his vision of transparency and participation. He has started to implement social media live broadcast and real-time updates of scores and up to date news and feedback via the internet to fans, members followers alike.
Powcast.net, led by Pow Salud, a long time fan of the sport of boxing and digital sales and marketing expert is one of the prime believers of Baham Mitra in his continuous effort to innovate. As a sports blogger and a digital influencer, we believe that boxing not just in the Philippines but in the Oriental and Pacific area is in the perfect position to grow and Powcast, as part of the digital and internet industry, will be all in, supporting boxing in the region.
More power to OPBF!
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