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:

  • Xander Zayas: "It's Time to Make History!"
    Thu, 15 Jan 2026
  • Weights from Trenton, NJ
    Thu, 15 Jan 2026
  • Pro Boxer and Recent Grad Returns for Fight Night on the Farm — Celebrating Stanford’s Boxing Community
    Thu, 15 Jan 2026
  • Jamaine Ortiz Aims to Derail Keyshawn Davis’ Undefeated Streak at Madison Square Garden
    Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • “No bad blood from me”- Good friends become better rivals – Clarke is ready for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Itauma suffers injury; Magnificent 7 rescheduled to March 28
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Top Super Lightweights Bryan Flores & Starling Castillo Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
    Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Harden surpasses Shaquille O'Neal's to become the ninth all-time leading scorer in NBA history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • “It’s time, LFG” - Holly McMath Trilogy for WBC Title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • IBA President Kremlev encourages sporting organisations to protect women’s sport following Trump’s statement on Imane Khelif
    Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • REYES, STRICKLAND, BUSTAMANTE & SOUQUET SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AT WNT LEGENDS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
    Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • Pumicpic fights Korean in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • No. 1 rated WBA Super Flyweight contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez remains patient and Looks forward to a 2026 World title shot
    Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • Ironman 70.3 Davao on March 22
    By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 12 JANUARY 2026: Dalton Smith Halts Subriel Matias in 5; Kabayel Stops Knyba in 3
    By Eric Armit, Mon, 12 Jan 2026