GAMES and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham Kahlil “Baham” Mitra is now the new president of the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF).
Mitra succeeded former GAB Chairman Juan Ramon Guanzon, who is now the new OPBF Secretary-General.
The formal turn-over was conducted yesterday during the OPBF monthly ratings held at the GAB main office in Makati City. It was witnessed by GAB Deputy Chief in Boxing Jackie Lou Cacho and international promoter-matchmaker Brico Santig of Highland International Boxing Promotions.
“It is with great pride and humility that we take over the reign of the very prestigious OPBF from a very worthy predecessor Manong Monju Guanzon, who we have asked to stay on as Sec-Gen,” said Mitra, who is also a member of the Board of Governors of the World Boxing Council (WBC).
OPBFwas formed in 1954 by the Japanese, Korean, and Filipino boxing commissions. It was originally named the Orient Boxing Federation, but changed to the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation when the Australian National Boxing Federation joined in 1977. Members of the OPBF regional group are Australia, Fiji, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, Philippines, Samoa, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Tonga and China.
The OPBF helped form the World Boxing Council in 1963 and is currently affiliated with that organization.
“Under our leadership, we intend to make it more participative and transparent in nature,” said Mitra.
Mitra added: “We also look forward to hosting the OPBF Convention in Palawan on November 9-11 as president.”
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