Mobile Home | Desktop Version




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:

  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Alex Bray Set for WBA Continental Latin American Title Clash February 20 in Orlando
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Calls out Jai Opetaia
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • BREAKING NEWS: DAZN AND MATCHROOM BOXING SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • 75 climbers start trekking to Mt. Apo today
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • 4 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Dainier Pero Locked In Ahead of WBA Continental USA Title Defense in Orlando
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • A Milestone Birthday: Celebrating Brico Santig's 50 Years of Dedication, and Triumph
    By Carlos Costa, Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • PH bet Chezka Centeno finishes 2nd in Florida
    By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • ARNOLD BARBOZA JR. AND KENNETH SIMS JR. SET FOR HIGH-STAKES CLASH IN CAN’T-MISS MAIN EVENT ON DAZN
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • CALLUM SMITH VS DAVID MORRELL MEGA FIGHT SET FOR APRIL 18 IN LIVERPOOL AS PAT BROWN HEADLINES IN HIS HOMETOWN ON APRIL 3
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Youth High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • Rapid chessfest gets underway February 22
    By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 16 FEBRUARY 2026: Ajagba, Dzambekov, Ruiz Register Stoppage Wins in Zuffa Event
    By Eric Armit, Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Mexican government and WBC join forces to create mega-project “Boxing for Peace”
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • All eyes on GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Feb 2026