The WBA Asia Convention Kicks Off in Vietnam

By FightnewsASIA

HO CHI MINH, Vietnam – The exciting 2024 WBA Asia Convention is already on the way at the plush 5-star New World Saigon Hotel till August 11 in thriving Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with a Filipino delegation taking part in starring roles.

In the photo from left to right are: judge Carlos Costa of Cebu, promoter/matchmaker Brico Santig of Baguio, referee Nowel Haduca, experienced judge Gregorio “Greg” Ortega of Manila, legendary Filipino ring official and former Police Officer Silveste Abainza, referee and IT Specialist Gerald Bassig, popular Pinoy podcaster and influencer “Powcast” Pau Salud, and FightFax.com web administrator JK Pascasio.

The Philippines GAB (Games and Amusement Board) commissioners for Administrative & Finance, and for Operations Sir Manny and Sir Angel are also representing the Philippines in Vietnam.

The important and entertaining convention celebrates the WBA three decades of presence in Asia, an event made possible with the full support of Shadow Entertainment and the VBC (Vietnam Boxing Commission).

The Convention began yesterday, August 9, with an opening ceremony followed by a review of the activities of the WBA Asia, an explanations about the scheduled WBA Asia Tournament, the introduction of the newest internet boxing record keeper FightFax.com, and a amazing welcome banquet.

Today, August 10, is the day for the Filipinos to host the Officials Seminar, which is a training activity for referees and judges expected to attract ring officials from all over Asia.

The Ring Officials seminar will be conducted by Filipino Silvestre Abainza, Nowel Haduca, Gerald Bassig and Gregorio “Greg” Ortega.

It will also be a weigh in ceremony for the three WBA Asia titles on the line August 11.

The 2024 WBA Asia Convention will close tomorrow, August 11 with an thrilling triple-header show featuring unbeaten Filipino WBA Asia Light Flyweight Champion AJ Paciones (9-0, 5 KO’s) of Cebu, defending belt against heavy-handed challenger Nanthanon Thogchai (13-2-2, 11 KO’s) of Thailand at the Saigon Sports Club in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Will the world-ranked Pinoy be able to defend strap, inching closer to a possible world title challenge? Or will the Thailander will steal the show?

Gracing the fantastic convention in Vietnam are WBA President Gilberto Mendoza, WBA General Secretary Won Kim of Korea, Vietnam Boxing Commission Chairman Chris Luu, Shadow Entertainment General Manager Jenny Do, and WBA Presidential Adviser Jose Oliver Gomez of Panama, among many others.

Photo courtesy of the WBA Asia