OPBF INCREASES NUMBER OF CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS

THE Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) has already increased its number of championship bouts as compared to the previous statistics.
This was announced by OPBF president Abraham Kahlil Mitra during his opening remarks at the opening of the annual 55th OPBF Convention at the Princesa Garden Island Resort a Spa in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
“There are now 53 title bouts and out of the 53, there are 17 silver title bouts,” said Mitra, a former Palawan Governor.
The previous statistics was only 42 title bouts.
“Our goal in this current leadership would be to have a more significant increase in these numbers,” said Mitra.
The boxing event of the on-going 55th OPBF Annual Convention has three OPBF championships.
Filipino Jelbirt Gomera fights Omri Bolivar of Venenzuela for the vacant interim OPBF featherweight title while Japan’s Yuko Henzan battles Thailand’s Phannaluk Kongsang for the vacant OPBF female bantamweight crown.
Another Japanese vs. Thai bout is between Erika Hanawa of Team United and Highland Gym Bangkok’s Phannaluk Kongsang for the vacant OPBF female minimumweight title.
“We also aim to encourage more ring officials to register with us. We will review the assignments of these ring officials,” he added.
OPBF wants to promote boxing not only in the region but in the whole world.
More than 150 ring officials, promoters, managers, matchmakers and boxers from Japan, China, Indonesia, Korea, USA, Thailand, Pakistan and the Philippines are currently joining the 4-day event.
“This is so far the biggest number of participants,” said Mitra.
Three title fights were held in the 55th OPBF Annual Convention last Nov. 10 at the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum.