Hector Afu Wins "WBC Referee of the Year Award"
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 23 Oct 2019
CANCUN, Mexico -- Panamanian third man Hector Afu has won the coveted "WBC Referee of the Year Award" today during the ongoing 57th WBC Annual Convention unfolding here at the Oasis Grand Hotel in the paradisaical, highly-touristic town-resort of Cancun in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
The official announcement was made at the end of today's boxing ring officials seminar led by Hawaiian senior judge Herbert Minn, WBC Officials Coordinator.
It's the second time around that the 51-year-old Hector Afu -- an international boxing referee since 2003 -- claims the coveted WBC award. Ten years ago, the Panamanian won the same accolade. Today he does it again.
"What an awesome privilege to received this amazing award from the WBC. Being a referee in boxing is the greatest honor as well as biggest commitment that I could think of. That's because the lives of boxers are at stake each time the bell sounds. No responsibility is bigger," shared a visible moved Hector Afu during dinner with Panamanian and Mexican ring officials.
Days ago, Hector Afu was the referee in the battle in which Ukrainian former cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (17-0, 13 KO's) debuted in heavyweights stopping in seven chapters American Chazz Witherspoon (38-4, 29 KO's) at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
Congratulations Hector Afu.
Photo: WBC Referee of the Year Hector Afu (R) is being congratulated by WBC Judge Hurbert Minn today during the WBC Convention in Mexico.
The author Carlos Costa is a boxing reporter attending the WBC Convention in Cancun, Mexico. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp: +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
July 4: Albert Bell Steps In to Challenge Abdullah Mason in All-Ohio WBO Lightweight World Title Showdown at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center LIVE on TNT and DAZN
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Zamboanga relinquishes her ONE Women’s title
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 25 Jun 2026UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING
Thu, 25 Jun 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 24 Jun 2026