
Filipino Ring Officials Attend the 2024 WBA ASIA Convention in Vietnam
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 10 Aug 2024

HO CHI MINH, Vietnam – The exciting 2024 WBA Asia Convention is already in progress at the plush 5-star New World Saigon Hotel which will run until August 11 in the thriving Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with a Filipino delegation taking part in starring roles.
In the photo from left to right are: judge Carlos Costa of Cebu, promoter/matchmaker Brico Santig of Baguio, referee Nowel Haduca, experienced judge Gregorio "Greg" Ortega of Manila, legendary Filipino ring official and former Police Officer Silveste Abainza, referee and IT Specialist Gerald Bassig, popular Pinoy podcaster and influencer "Powcast" Paulo Salud, and FightFax.com web administrator JK Pascasio.
The Philippines GAB (Games and Amusement Board) commissioners for Administrative & Finance, and for Operations Sir Manny and Sir Angel are also representing the Philippines in Vietnam.
The important and entertaining convention celebrates the WBA three decades of presence in Asia, an event made possible with the full support of Shadow Entertainment and the VBC (Vietnam Boxing Commission).
The Convention began yesterday, August 9, with an opening ceremony followed by a review of the activities of the WBA Asia, an explanations about the scheduled WBA Asia Tournament, the introduction of the newest internet boxing record keeper FightFax.com, and a amazing welcome banquet.

Filipinos attending the WBA Asia Convention (L to R): Carlos Costa, Brico Santig, Nowel Haduca, Greg Ortega Silvestre Abainza, Gerald Bassig, Paulo Salud and JK Pascasio.
Today, August 10, is the day for the Filipinos to host the Officials Seminar, which is a training activity for referees and judges expected to attract ring officials from all over Asia.
The Ring Officials seminar will be conducted by Filipino Silvestre Abainza, Nowel Haduca, Gerald Bassig and Gregorio "Greg" Ortega.
It will also be a weigh in ceremony for the three WBA Asia titles on the line August 11.
The 2024 WBA Asia Convention will close tomorrow, August 11 with an thrilling triple-header show featuring unbeaten Filipino WBA Asia Light Flyweight Champion AJ Paciones (9-0, 5 KO's) of Cebu, defending belt against heavy-handed challenger Nanthanon Thogchai (13-2-2, 11 KO's) of Thailand at the Saigon Sports Club in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Will the world-ranked Pinoy be able to defend strap, inching closer to a possible world title challenge? Or will the Thailander will steal the show?
Gracing the fantastic convention in Vietnam are WBA President Gilberto Mendoza, WBA General Secretary Won Kim of Korea, Vietnam Boxing Commission Chairman Chris Luu, Shadow Entertainment General Manager Jenny Do, and WBA Presidential Adviser Jose Oliver Gomez of Panama, among many others.
Photo courtesy of the WBA Asia
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 24 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 24 Jan 2026NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 24 Jan 2026The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Donaire back in Cebu
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 23 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ IN LAS VEGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 23 Jan 2026Four Pinoys in line for title shots
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 23 Jan 2026After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 23 Jan 2026Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes Returns to ring at home after nearly a decade in Retirement on January 31 in Texas
Fri, 23 Jan 2026SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNY ALVAREZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Thu, 22 Jan 2026