Asian Boxing, OCA affirm alliance
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 11 Feb 2025
ABAP chairman Ricky Vargas inked a Memorandum of Understanding confirming the partnership of Asian Boxing, where he is a board member, and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) represented by director general Dr. Husain Al-Musallam at a signing ceremony during the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China last Saturday.
Vargas was asked by Thai deputy prime minister/finance minister and Asian Boxing president Pichai Chunhavajira to sign for the regional body in sealing the alliance with OCA as the accredited supervisor of the sport at the SEA and Asian Games. Asian Boxing was organized late last year to link with World Boxing, the Swiss-based federation seeking recognition from IOC to restore boxing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic calendar.
Witnessing the signing were Thailand Boxing Association vice president/secretary Chaiwat Chotima and China Boxing Federation competition director Han Bo. Vargas arrived in Harbin late Friday night and returned home yesterday at midnight. He made the weekend trip to represent Asian Boxing in Harbin.
“The purpose of this MOU is to preserve the future of boxing by fostering collaboration between the parties,” said Vargas. “Both Asian Boxing and OCA recognize the importance of adhering to the principles and values of the Olympic Charter and commit to upholding its standards in their activities. The partnership focuses on the development of a comprehensive certification program for referees, judges and other officials, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and fairness in officiating. By enhancing the quality of officiating, the initiative aims to create a more transparent and competitive environment for athletes.”
Vargas said in addition to upgrading officiating standards, the organizations are committed to support Asian boxers. “Through shared resources, training programs and structured pathways, they aim to provide more opportunities for Asian boxers to compete at the highest levels,” continued Vargas. World Boxing now has 72 member nations and will hold an extraordinary congress on March 1 to vote on new country applications ahead of IOC’s session on March 19-21.
Foto---Asian Boxing board member Ricky Vargas (second from left) and Olympic Council of Asia director general Dr. Husain Al-Musallam show the signed documents affirming the affiliation of both organizations. Witnessing the ceremony are Thai Boxing Association’s Chaiwat Chotima (left) and China Boxing Federation’s Han Bo.
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