56th Annual NABF Convention Concludes with Resounding Success in Savannah, Georgia
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
With an agenda packed with strategic decisions, technical training, and deeply moving tributes, the 56th Annual Convention of the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) was celebrated.
The iconic DeSoto Hotel in Savannah, Georgia, located in the city’s historic district, served as the host venue for this three-day event, which brought together top promoters, managers, commissioners, ring officials, and boxing executives from North America to analyze the present and future of the sport.
As part of the working sessions, the organization’s official elections took place. Following a motion by former President Duane Ford, President Joanna DeBrine was unanimously re-elected to formally lead the federation. Furthermore, full support was ratified for her team of Vice Presidents, which includes:
Mauricio Sulaimán (also President of the WBC)
Jill Diamond
Michelle Ponich
During the assemblies, DeBrine clarified the status of the titles regulated by the organization (NABF, NABF Junior, US WBC, and Silver US WBC). For his part, NABF Vice President and WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán analyzed the current landscape of the industry against other combat disciplines (MMA, bare-knuckle fighting, and slap competitions) and warned about the legislative initiatives being pushed to create Universal Boxing Organizations, which could alter the current financial structures of the sport.
A fundamental pillar of the convention was the certification seminars conducted by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), aimed at unifying technical and ethical criteria:
Judges: Led by veteran judge David Sutherland. The sessions delved into the mandatory 10-point must system, the knockdown rule, and the innovative remote scoring program presented by Esteban Ruesga, which allows WBC judges to train and score fights virtually from their computers anywhere in the world.
Referees: Conducted by retired veteran referee Russell Mora. The ABC Unified Rules of Boxing were thoroughly reviewed, including round durations, the mandatory use of mouthpieces, protocols for cuts caused by legal blows or accidental fouls, and the 5-minute limit rule to recover from an accidental low blow.
Code of Conduct: Strict emphasis was placed on the absolute prohibition of accepting gifts of significant monetary value, placing wagers on combat sports, publicly criticizing other officials, or breaking the 12:00 a.m. curfew the night prior to an event.
EXCELLENT PRESENTATION BY THE WBC TEAM
WBC members Esteban Ruesga, Paul Landeros, and Paulina Brindis presented a detailed report on the use of the 12-ounce gloves developed by Cleto Reyes for the WBC Grand Prix. Technical and statistical data regarding their performance were shared, demonstrating how this initiative contributed to enhancing the safety and well-being of the heavyweight boxers who participated in the tournament held in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, they presented the work done in creating and maintaining the ring officials and supervisors database. This tool allows the organization to track the activity, participation, and performance of every single appointment made for WBC events and its affiliated bodies.
Similarly, they exposed the analysis derived from the Remote Scoring program, which has become a fundamental tool for identifying new talent, keeping ring officials active through constant exercises, and measuring the consistency and participation of those who regularly take part in these activities.
Finally, the procedure used by the WBC for assigning ring officials and supervisors to world championships and affiliated titles was explained, showcasing the complete cycle of identification, development, evaluation, and appointment of these essential elements for the integrity and growth of our sport.
ADVANCEMENTS IN HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND INDUSTRY DEBATES
Science Applied to the Boxer: Sarah Cunningham, a registered nurse and sports nutritionist, presented a comprehensive report on safe weight loss. She was accompanied by former WBA interim champion Samantha Worthington, who shared her testimony of survival after voluntarily pulling herself out of a fight in the 8th round back in February 2026 after listening to her own body. Upon hospital admission, she was successfully treated for a subdural hematoma (bleeding on the brain). President Sulaimán invited her to the dais to present her with a WBC mini belt in recognition of her prudence.
Star Development: Boxing consultant Don Majeski criticized the lack of development of modern fighters as long-term attractions, pointing out the current industry’s rush for quick financial gains instead of genuinely connecting with local fans through tours, as legends like Sugar Ray Robinson used to do.
International Success: Barry Lindenmann reported on the resounding success of the WBC Grand Prix tournament held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where 128 fighters from 40 different countries competed in a single-elimination format, awarding life-changing prizes of $225,000 to the winners.
TRADITIONAL AWARDS BANQUET IN THE MADDISON ROOM:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bestowed upon former NABF President Duane Ford, who received a commemorative belt along with a personalized Las Vegas Knights jersey.
Technical Recognition: Nobu Ikushima was honored for his years of unconditional service and expertise in providing technical, logistical, and translation support to the federation.
“Steve Morrow” Courage Award: Established in memory of the former NABF/WBC official who passed away last December. Following a moving tribute to his widow, Marcie Morrow, the inaugural award was presented to 20-year-old amateur boxer Spencer Weingartz, who returned to high-level training after losing his left foot in an accident 18 months ago.
Legends in Attendance: Hall of Fame members Thomas “Hitman” Hearns (commemorating the 40th anniversary of his middleweight title won in 1986 via a first-round knockout over James Shuler) and Christy Martin (a trailblazer for female boxing) received honorary NABF belts.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
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