Irish Eyes were smiling when the Sun came out on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, signaling the opening of the 43^rd, annual NABF Convention. I want to thank the Delegates for re-electing me to my second term as President, together with our Executive Committee we are committed to continue to work hard for the improvement of your Organization.

Resort's International Hotel provided a nice stetting for our convention, and both the Judge's and Referee's clinics were both well attended and received. President Jose Sulaiman attended both and gave insight to means of improving performance in both ares of Officiating. Duane Ford and Jay Nady have our unending thanks and gratitude for an outstanding job as only they can do it.

The time has come, and we will be implementing a new incentive to all NABF rated boxer's.

Any rated NABF boxer meeting another rated boxer in a ten (10) or twelve (12) round NABF Elimination bout, the winner of which will become the new # 1 rated contender.

Any Champion at the time of his Mandatory Defense who fails to meet the # 1 contender will then be Vacated of his/her title.

The highlight of the Convention had to be the Awards Dinner, when I was honored to present the Nick Charles, “Good Guy Award” to actor Holt McCallany star of the series “Light's Out” on FX Television. Holt was most gracious, signing autographs and posing for photos with our members. 2011 Award winners were also honored at that time,including Welterweight Champion, Shawn Porter, Matchmaker, Nate Yoder and Promoter, Russ Young.Jill Diamond presented, on behalf of WBC Cares an Award to Monique Mclain (13 yrs old) as the Youngest World Boxing Cares Ambassador.

There is none better then Don Griffin who did an outstanding as our Auctioneer, and we thank Gale Van Hoy and Rick Crocker for their efforts in securing great boxing items.

We are off to a good start, with ten (10) NABF Title bouts to be contested during June and July.In closing I want to thank our Executive Committee for their untiring work throughout the past year as well as to each of the members who attended and supported our Convention.

In your corner,

Joe Dwyer