July 1, Mexico City. Juan "Churritos" Hernandez made a successful defense of his NABF flyweight belt with a KO at 1:33 of the 2nd round over Arcadio Salazar. As reported by Alfredo Jaime Gomez in ESTO, Hernandez landed a winging left to the jaw of Salazar which sent Salazar down to the canvas where he was counted out by referee Laurentino Ramirez.
It is with humility and pride that I accept the presidency of this Organization. As I stated in Cancun, filling the "boots" of Rex Walker is not an easy task. Much work lies ahead for the Board of Officer's to improve on what has already been accomplished in the past four (4) years. It is a challenge that we gladly look forward to.
For those who attended the Convention, a good time was had by all, and the NABF thanks you for your support.
As your President, I will continue to pursue getting more Official's assigned to bouts outside of their home States. I hope that building strong working relationships with the various State Commissions will accomplish this goal.
We are off to a good start with five (5) bouts having been scheduled since the recent Convention. Through the efforts of Mauricio Sulaiman, we have a strong base of operations throughout Mexico and look forward to increased activity in Canada in the near future.
All members are asked to check our website, NABFNEWS.COM. We suggest you keep updated on what's happening in your Organization. We encourage you to contribute news, articles and events of interest to the membership.
Several awards were presented at Friday night's NABF banquet in Cancun, Mexico. Outgoing president Rex Walker and incoming president Joe Dwyer did the honors for the following recipients: Promoter of the year: Jimmy Burchfield- CES Promotions Female Promoter of the year: Donna English- South Coast Promotions Female Fight of the year: Christy Martin-Valerie Mafood Prospect of the year: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez President's "work horse" Award: Laurence Cole
DAY 1 - Morning Unification The NABF Convention, in Cancun, Mexico was the first time 37 countries, including Representatives from Central and South America united at one convention. They came together, firstly to support boxing and secondly, the healing of Mexico during the current crises. Once before, the WBC and it's federation came to Cancun after hurricane Wilma for the same reasons. This is an improtant election year for many of the federations that attended. In addition to the NABF they include FECABOX, FUSEBOX, and CABOFE. Together, they created the very first Continental America Convention. In attendence were the Presdent of Cancun, the Governor of Quintana, promoter Pepe Gomez, who is sponsoring a card in XCaret on Saturday, June 7th, Roberto Duran, and WBC President, Jose Sulaiman. A warm thank you was extended by current NABF President, Rex Walker, who is leaving office this year but conitnuing on as the Chair of the WBC Youth Belt. Perhaps the most moving moment of the opening came when Jose Sulaiman denounced the current state of boxing and implored people to support and encourage the new stars. He suggested that experienced trainers involve themselves with promising, amateur talent and that promoters provide TV with 4 and 6 round fights, bringing hopeful, new comers to the fans.
Day 1 - Afternoon The afternoon session began with a ten count for the 6 members of the community who passed this year: Stan Gallup, Tony Castellano, Edmund Lipinski, Benjamin Flores, Tobby Gibson and Raul Macies. Since elections are tomorrow, a call for any additional names for the nominating committee was requested. The meeting then continued with reports from the various committees. The consensus was that the economy has definitely effected the number of fights but not the quality of the fights or the fighters. The NABF Fighter of the Year, Chris Arreola is 26 and 0 and the #1 WBC rated Heavy Weight. The award for Matchmaker of the Year went to Tom Brown, who has been with Arreola aince the fighter began his career. NABF Vice President, Joe Dwyer introduced Tom as a man who defies age. Importantly, one who has lived his life dedicated to boxing. Joe also added that the only thing to remember is not to call Tom during one of his son's ball games or he'll hang-up. Tom later commented, that Joe was right, but he always calls back. Mr. Brown's association with boxing began before his affiliation with Ten Goose Boxing and continued through the companies transition to Gossen Tuder. His reputation asa Match Maker and promoter is unparelled. Tom was given the award during the general session so he could return to LA to attend his son's high school graduation. Only family trumps boxing. He left the stage to a standing ovation from the membership.
In a very emotional and spectacular ceremony which was mostly led by WBC Executive Secretary, Mauricio Sulaiman, and in the presence of the President of the organization, Jose Sulaiman, and over 200 attendants, including important media such as Fightnews, Notifight, EFE, AFP, Reuters, as well as the main Mexican media representatives (newspapers, radio and television) WBC President announced the name of Rex Walker´s successor as President of the Nortth American Boxing Federation.
Amid loud applause from the attendants, Commissioners, many of them from 19 commissions of 40 countries, Joe Dwyer´s name was clearly heard, as he will take the position in a few hours, as the statutory 4 years for Rex Walker as leader of the organization have finished.
The Real Estate Council, sponsor of last Thursday's NABF title match in Dallas, Texas, has established a memorial fund in honor of Benjamin Flores. Anyone wishing to contribute may do so at the following address:
Benjamin Flores Memorial Fund
Attn.: Sabrina Jaramillo
Guaranty Bank
2nd Floor - TMSS
8333 Douglas Avenue
Dallas, TX 75225
All contributions are appreciated and please keep Benjamin's family as well as his opponent Al Seeger in your thoughts and prayers.
(JUNE 30) Joe Dwyer is a boxing guy. This may seem to be a blinding flash of the obvious, given Dwyer's history as a top ranked Golden Gloves fighter, his long tenure as a New York State boxing judge and his lengthy service to the sport, including, most recently, with the World Boxing Council. And add in the fact that in early June, Dwyer succeeded to the presidency of the North American Boxing Federation. Many people have had a lot of jobs over a lot of years in the sport and far too many of them have either appropriated or had conferred upon them the sobriquet, boxing guy. In reality, it's a much more select group, limited to those few who, when they speak of the sport of boxing, they are listened to, fully and completely, and with good reason, they know what they're talking about. When asked a question, they give an answer as straight as a perfect jab and with just as little wasted rhetorical motion. Boxing guys are, in a word common to the gyms and arenas where boxing is always a serious topic, "legit." Joe Dwyer is a boxing guy.
Es con un triste pesar que les informo a ustedes que Sandy Minn, la esposa de nuestro querido Hubert Minn, falleció esta mañana en Hawai.
It is with sad regret that I inform you that Sandy Minn, the wife of our dear Hubert Minn, passed away this morning in Hawaii.
El Consejo Mundial de Boxeo declara el día de hoy Día de Luto Mundial. The World Boxing Council declares today a day of world mourning.
Hubert Minn es un ser humano ejemplar, decente y extremadamente amable; el CMB y toda la comunidad boxística se unen a el en este momento tan difícil. Hubert Minn is an exemplary, decent, extremely kind human being and the WBC and all the boxing community join him in this very difficult time.
Along with two hundred delegates from the NABF convention, the five thousand partisan fans on hand for The Mayan Challenge At Xcaret outside of Cancun, Mexico were not disappointed on this sweltering Saturday night. With NABF title fights, several domestic bouts on hand, returning former champs and international battles pitting Mexicans against Brazilians and Filipinos, the paying crowd got their money's worth, as well as viewers who watched the live telecast on Televisa, the biggest network in Mexico. In the main event, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez scored a ninth round KO over Brazilian Jefferson "Holyfield" Goncalo in an NABF Welterweight title defense, former WBC light fly champ Omar Niño Romero topped Juanito Rubillar in a WBC eliminator and NABF Fly champ Wilberth Uicab won a ten-rounder over B. J. Dolorosa.
The morning session of the NABF convention in Cancun, Mexico commenced this morning at 9:30 a.m. with the elections of President and Vice presidents. After two consecutive two-year terms, out going president Rex Walker stepped down and welcomed unanimously elected former V.P. Joe Dwyer of New York. Dwyer humbly accepted the responsibilities that come with the post and persevere toward the organization's primary goal- the safety of the boxer in the ring. Dwyer said, "Normally, upon assuming a position of this magnitude, it is said that there are big shoes to fill. On this occasion, I have some big cowboy boots to fill," a reference to Rex Walker's self proclaimed cowboy status.
In my series of interviews with our NABF Officers, I'm privileged to start with Joseph Dwyer. Could there be a more honorable man or respected member of the boxing community than Joey D? He's the only man I know who can yell at your without raising his voice. And let's not forget the classic wink and the customary cigar. So, question number one... how do I find room on the page to fit all his titles? Well, here goes. He's earned everyone of them!
Who is Joey D?
NABF Vice President & Championship Chmn.
Formar IBF Championship Chmn.
Judge
Chief Inspector, NYSAC
Inspector, NYSAC
US Navy Middleweight Champion
NYS Middleweight Champion
Metropolitan AAU Middleweight Champion
Jill: What do you consider your specialty?
Joe: I consider making Title bouts my forte. I can empathize with what a Judge is going through during a fight, having sat on the "high chair" for six (6) years. It is often a thankless job.
Jill: What makes a good Judge ?
Joe: While I feel ex boxer's often make the best Judge's, I find many people who never engaged in the sport to be highly competent Officials.Ex fighter's can empathize what the fighter's are going through during the bout, stamina, being cut, effective aggression, etc.
On the other hand boxing has many highly competent females officials,Melvina Lathan, Adelide Byrd, C.J. Ross, Julie Lederman, Robyn Taylor, Gwen Adair, and not to be forgotten, Eva Shain, and Carol Castellano.
Jill: Do you think officials should go through periodic recertification?
Joe: Certification of Officials is extremely Important, by the Sanctioning Body, the ABC as well as State Commissions. We are never past the point of learning something new.
Jill: What about Unification?
Joe: The Unified Rules, are the best available rules to maintain uniformity of Title Bouts, credit for their formation must be credited to Larry Hazzard, the former Chairman of the NJSAC, a terrific administrator as well a one of the finest Referee's I have had the pleasure of watching in action.
Jill: One of the best matches you've seen?
Joe: The recent Margarito vs Cotto bout stands out as one of the most exciting bouts in recent years.
Jill: You say that sanctioning championship bouts is your forte. So, what makes a champion?
Joe: In approving Sanction Requests, I must consider ratings, experience, conditioning, as well as competitiveness of the bout.A level playing field
must be maintained, giving the Mgr. or Promoter who has but one (1) boxer the same consideration as the Premier Promoter's (King Arum, Shaw, etc.)
It is with humility and pride that I accept the presidency of this Organization. As I stated in Cancun, filling the "boots" of Rex Walker is not an easy task. Much work lies ahead for the Board of Officer's to improve on what has already been accomplished in the past four (4) years. It is a challenge that we gladly look forward to.
