On April 12, Club Huracán in Posadas hosted the event “Say No to Drugs,” a boxing night organized under the WBC Amateur framework, bringing together national and international athletes with a clear objective: to use sport as a driver for social change.

With a strong turnout, the event stood out both for the technical level of the bouts and the powerful message of awareness. Boxers from various Argentine provinces and from Paraguay participated, giving the evening a regional character.

The main events featured Guillermo “La Joya” Andino, a native of Posadas, who faced Maximiliano “El Indomable” Corzo from La Plata, as well as the clash between Leandro Da Rosa and Nicolás Morzán — both fights igniting the crowd.

The event also included a series of amateur bouts sanctioned by WBC Amateur. The results were as follows:

Ariel Cañete defeated Hernán Paniagua (Oberá) by decision.

Santino Enriquez won by decision over Braian Martínez (Puerto Iguazú).

Ramón Vallejo (Paraguay) defeated Pedro Lezcano (El Dorado) by decision.

Alejandro Cáceres (El Dorado) won by decision against Agustín Duré (Posadas).

Diego Sosa (Paraguay) beat Rodrigo Bianchi (Oberá) by decision.

Guillermo Andino, one of the main fighters and organizers of the event, emphasized the social value of sport: “We’re happy. More than anything, sports and boxing help get many kids off the streets and away from drugs,” he said.

The night was another strong display of WBC Amateur’s commitment — alongside local boxing figures — to training young athletes and promoting values through the sport. In Posadas, the ring was much more than a place of competition: it was a message of hope.

For Jimmy Burchfield Sr., founder of CES Boxing and a cornerstone of the East Coast boxing scene, promoting the next generation is more than tradition—it’s a mission. And this year’s 12th edition of the Classic Invitational delivered exactly that: a glimpse into boxing’s bright future.

Amateur fighters from New England, New Jersey, Florida, and beyond converged at the arena, representing powerhouse gyms like B.A.T. Center, Muscle & Flow, Revolution Training, and Legacy Boxing Club. With families and fans in attendance, each fighter was awarded a WBC medal, a symbolic nod to their passion, dedication, and dreams of greater glory.

Among the standout performances:

Aiden Balletto (B.A.T. Center RI), son of former lightweight champ Gary “Tiger” Balletto, earned a hard-fought win over Eliandel Guzman (Grundy’s Gym RI) in the 132 lbs Novice Class.

Gilbert Kabamba (Muscle & Flow Gym MA), the 2024 National Golden Gloves Champion and currently ranked #2 heavyweight in the nation, dominated Gary Charles (Revolution Training CT) in the 198+ lbs Open Class.

Shyne Conce (LFG Boxing NH), a 3-time New England Golden Gloves Champion, outboxed Yohenry Rosario (Legacy Boxing Club NJ), the East Coast Amateur Champ, in a thrilling 121 lbs Open Class bout.

Miguel Laureano (Rose City Boxing CT) of Puerto Rico scored a big win against New England Silver Gloves champ Lizandro Juarez (Wilner Mendez Boxing) in the 143 lbs Open Class.

Other notable winners included Dennis Piludu, Josh Folger, Victor Guerra, Efthimious Barkas, and CJ Dummett, all proving they’re names to watch in the amateur ranks.

The Classic Invitational seamlessly bridged the gap between grassroots boxing and the professional stage, setting the tone for the CES Boxing Love & War card that followed, featuring pros like Rashidi Ellis, Kevin Walsh, Mike Fontanez, and Amelia Moore.

Building the Future of Boxing

With over three decades of experience, CES Boxing continues to be a dominant force in the sport, developing top-tier talent like Jamaine Ortiz, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, and many more. Events like the Classic Invitational are a testament to Burchfield’s commitment to the sport from the ground up.

As always, Mohegan Sun Arena proved the perfect host, reaffirming its status as one of the most beloved and decorated venues in the nation.

At the opening of the competition, Cerqueda Rebollo emphasized the importance of such events, highlighting that they not only contribute to the development of future champions but also form part of the national strategy promoted by the Presidency of Mexico, aimed at strengthening social fabric through sports.

In his speech, the municipal leader underscored that boxing is a comprehensive sport, capable of igniting passion in children and young people, fostering discipline, and providing a positive alternative for their development. “It is the only way we can truly intervene in a campaign to prevent addictions and improve the quality of life for our children and youth,” he stated.

The tournament, endorsed and supervised by the WBC Amateur technical committee, was conducted under a single-elimination system, with three-round fights of two minutes each and a one-minute rest between rounds. The competitions were held in the infant, youth, and elite categories.

Participants included boxers from various Mexican states such as Baja California, Mexico City, State of Mexico, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Puebla, Querétaro, Quintana Roo, and Veracruz. The event also featured international boxers from Bolivia, Cameroon, Cuba, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

The tournament concluded successfully, solidifying itself as a key platform for the growth of amateur boxing and reaffirming Nezahualcóyotl’s commitment to sports and youth development.

A total of 42 boxers from eight countries across Africa participated in various weight categories at the tournament, held at the Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.

Organized by Yucateco Boxing Promotions, the first-ever WBC-ABU Amateur Tournament served as a qualifier to select boxers who will represent Africa at the WBC Amateur World Cup, set to take place in Mexico later this year.

With the country’s impressive performance, the question was which Nigerian boxers would take home the WBC belts. It was Precious Anine who defeated her compatriot Anuoluwapo Akanni in the women’s 60kg final, while David Akintola outclassed Joshua Daniel in the men’s 75kg final. Both were awarded the prestigious belts as the tournament’s most valuable boxers.

Uganda’s Brenda Maduwa, Battle Nihu, and Shakur Mugambe failed to prevail in the finals but did win the silver medals. However, the trio expressed excitement at the opportunity to compete in an international tournament.

Maduwa lost to Pauline Assogba of Benin Republic in the women’s 51kg final, Nihu suffered defeat against Nigeria’s Olamilekan Akanbi in the men’s 69kg final, and Mugambe was beaten by Rilwan Salawu of Nigeria in the men’s 60kg final.

The success of the maiden tournament has encouraged Yucateco Boxing Promotions to organize another sanctioned competition before the WBC Amateur World Cup, providing more boxers with a platform to represent the continent in Mexico.

The President of the African Boxing Union, Houcine Houichi, emphasized the need for more competitions like this to give amateur boxers exposure to international events.

“What Yucateco has done should be commended by boxing nations around the world because this is truly groundbreaking in Africa. The WBC and the ABU will continue to collaborate with Yucateco in advancing the development of amateur boxing in Africa,” he said. Houichi is also a prominent member within the WBC.

While commending Imadu for his passion and commitment to the growth of the sport, Houichi, who is also the Vice President of the WBC, expressed hope that the event would inspire further investment in amateur boxing across the continent.

“I am confident that other boxing organizations in Africa have been encouraged by what Yucateco has done. My friend Imadu has set the pace, and now it’s time for others to show their willingness for further collaborations.”

The three-day tournament began with the WBC-ABU Referees and Judges course, aimed at upgrading and updating the knowledge of ring officials, who were awarded certificates during the closing ceremony of the championship.

A key achievement was the creation of a global protocol for authorizing WBC Amateur events, detailed in the Authorization Form on the committee’s website. Another milestone was the publication of the WBC Amateur Rules in English, German, Russian, and Spanish. These guidelines are constantly updated to meet the evolving standards of federations and organizations.

The committee also introduced an International Board of Representatives, with over 30 members, to oversee event authorizations and provide regional insights. An Advisory Board and Disciplinary Committee were established to handle unique cases. To celebrate outstanding contributions, commemorative medals were awarded to coaches and officials worldwide, including honorees from Germany, Portugal, the USA, Brazil, and Kazakhstan.

At the Hamburg Convention, the WBC Amateur Committee outlined ambitious goals for 2025, including expanding the Green Belt Challenge globally. Inspired by its origins in Los Angeles and a remarkable 2024 edition in France, the tournament has set a benchmark for excellence. Similarly, the WBC Amateur Turksoy Tournament showcased elite boxers from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and other nations. These events have paved the way for the committee’s vision: to multiply such tournaments across every continent, culminating in the World’s Green Belt Challenge in 2026.

Every day, the WBC Amateur Committee receives countless emails from coaches, organizers, and boxers seeking guidance on how to participate in tournaments. Most of these messages share a common dream: the aspiration to become a WBC Amateur Champion. For these athletes, winning the iconic green and gold belt represents not just a victory but a source of pride for their neighborhoods, cities, and families. It’s a testament to the profound impact that the WBC has on their lives, a legacy we’re incredibly proud to uphold.

Looking ahead to 2025, the committee remains committed to nurturing amateur boxing at every level. From local gyms to international arenas, the goal is to create opportunities for young athletes, both boys and girls, to achieve their dreams and embrace the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and community. Together, let’s make 2025 a milestone year for amateur boxing, fostering a spirit of excellence and unity that resonates across the globe.

The tournament was a resounding success, with fighters demonstrating impressive skill and determination, much to the delight of the audience. Both participants and spectators praised the event’s smooth organization and energetic atmosphere.

Organizers expressed their pride in hosting the championship, emphasizing the importance of providing a platform for amateur boxers to shine on an international stage. The event not only highlighted the talent of young athletes but also strengthened the bonds within the WBC Amateur community.

Photos: @tisophotographyofficial

The tournament concluded successfully after four intense days in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, from November 21 to 24 of this year. This marks the second edition of the tournament, following the first one held in 2023 in the State of Mexico, which also saw the participation of Baja California and Tijuana.

This year’s competition included boxers from the United States, Great Britain, Argentina, and various states across Mexico.

This show, held in the capital city, is a clear signal that amateur boxing is beginning to establish a foothold in Oman, a country known for its rich culture and conservative values. The participation of local Omani boxers in the amateur bouts was particularly significant, showcasing the country’s emerging talent and dedication to the sport. 

Government representatives were present at the event, showing official support and enthusiasm for amateur boxing. Their attendance demonstrated the importance of the event for the region, as well as the potential for boxing to grow into a well-supported sport with a broad fan base.

The amateur fighters were awarded medals by the World Boxing Council (WBC), a prestigious gesture that recognized their commitment and skill. Receiving these WBC medals marked a memorable milestone for the fighters, inspiring them to pursue their boxing careers with even greater determination.

With this show, Oman has laid the groundwork for a new generation of athletes who can find their start in amateur boxing, which could eventually lead to international representation. This event in Muscat marks not only the beginning of boxing as an accessible sport in Oman but also reflects the broader cultural shifts happening in the Middle East. It’s a promising first step in developing a robust amateur boxing scene, one that could soon produce top-tier talent and enthusiastic fan support.

The amateur card featured entertaining bouts between young local and foreign fighters, with winners recognized with WBC Amateur medals.

The grand finale of the Night of Champions was an exhibition bout, held as a tribute, between American-Salvadoran Sammy Contreras and Mexican fighter Antonio López. The exhibition aimed to honor Sammy Contreras for his outstanding amateur career and extend best wishes for his professional journey.

The evening also paid tribute to two historic Salvadoran boxers: Antonio “Baby” Ruiz and Wilfredo “Payaso” Navidad.

The World Boxing Council has long worked through its global platform to support amateur boxing. The tournament organized by Samuel Contreras demonstrated the dedication of all those who passionately invest their time to support young people who dream of becoming world champions.

Boxing helps steer young people away from the streets and dangerous temptations, guiding them towards hard work, discipline, dedication, and effort.

As a result, a total of €2000 was donated to the German Children’s Hospice Association, a vital organization that provides care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses.

This generous donation highlights the participants’ commitment to helping those in need. The cheque was then handed over to a representative of the German Children’s Hospice Association by GM Salvatore Tiso and GM Andreas Brinkmann in a meaningful ceremony.

In addition, the event served as a powerful example of how sport can unite people from all walks of life for a meaningful cause. Ultimately, it reminded us that, together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it the most.