Vargas named to Asian body
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 31 Dec 2024
Ricky Vargas.
ABAP chairman Ricky Vargas was recently named to join a high-powered Board of the interim Asian Boxing that is affiliated with World Boxing, the international federation seeking to gain IOC recognition for the purpose of retaining the sport in the Olympics. The Board held its inaugural meeting via zoom Sunday afternoon with hopes of boosting World Boxing’s bid for IOC accreditation. Asian Boxing's slogan is "One Spirit, One Goal, Olympic Boxing Glory."
The Board members are interim president Pichai Chunhavajira of Thailand, Jung Aehyun of Korea, Ali Takleef Shaheed of Iraq, Tatsuya Nakama of Japan, Darkhan Kyzaibayev of Kazakhstan, Tllanoev Shohid of Uzbekistan, Balanmunkh Maidar of Mongolia, Ajay Singh of India and Vargas.
“So happy to note we end the year in unity as Asian Boxing aligns with World Boxing in its quest to transform the sport for the boxer with utmost integrity, transparency and excellence,” said Vargas, the only Asian in the World Boxing Executive Board. “Uniquely, Asia is our culture that binds us together in friendship.”
Vargas said Asian Boxing’s affiliation brings World Boxing closer to achieving its goal of IOC recognition. “Much closer,” he noted. “ASBC (Asian Boxing Confederation) continues and will elect new officers but eventually, they will dissolve as most of their members are now moving to Asian Boxing. Thanks to my dear colleagues for making me part of the interim Executive Board of Asian Boxing. I serve with humility. Looking forward to working with the Board and thanks to Khun Pichai for accepting to be our leader.” Pichai resigned as ASBC president to head Asian Boxing.
World Boxing is led by president Boris van der Vorst of the Netherlands and held its first Congress in Frankfurt last year. The discredited International Boxing Association used to conduct Olympic competitions but IOC took over supervision in Tokyo and Paris. IOC said starting in 2028, it will no longer supervise boxing and opened the door for a new international federation to take over. Early this month, World Boxing announced a membership of 60 countries with the acceptance of the applications of Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Jordan, Myanmar and Palestine.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026