On Wednesday morning the 38th annual WBO convention opened in Bogotá, Colombia. Richard De Cuir, the WBO vice president and NABO chair, told members that the NABO still feels the effects of COVID. He said the organization has not yet reached full parity. Diana Melendez added that many top champions, such as Canelo and Shakur Stevenson, began their careers with a regional title.
President Olivieri reminded the crowd that earning a regional title can lift a fighter into the top 15 rankings. He explained that a higher ranking opens the door to a world title chance.
Trademark Work and Youth Titles
Dr. Antonio Roman from Spain shared the latest steps in trademarking the WBO brand worldwide. He cited a recent case in the Philippines where proof of use was disputed for the WBO Oriental brand.
Former WBO official Luis Batista Salas presented the championship committee report with help from Enrique J. Mendoza Sanchez. He noted that fifteen youth titles have been contested in 2025. Germany leads with six youth titles, and seven promoters have staged those fights.
Female and Male Title Fights
The data showed that the WBO held twenty‑six female title fights this year. Fourteen of those took place in the United States. Male fighters contested thirty‑five title fights, with sixteen in the United States. Top Rank led promoters with nine events.
Lomachenko Legacy and Museum
The convention theme, “Loma’s Legacy,” honored three‑time WBO champion Vasyl Lomachenko. Lomachenko thanked the organization and praised the event. He recently toured the new Lomachenko Museum that the WBO built on site in his honor.
Digital Initiatives and WBO Gives Back
The WBO announced that a new WBO app is in development. Members will soon receive real‑time notifications and access detailed role information through the app.
Under the WBO Gives Back Program the group plans several projects: the Amanda Serrano Amateur Championships Initiative, the Education For Life program, the WBO Explained series, and the WBO/Boxing Bullies Gym project.
IBHOF Partnership
IBHOF executive director Ed Brophy joined the meeting. He and WBO representative Joe Hernandez discussed repairs to the IBHOF roof. The WBO pledged financial support and will soon host a WBO history exhibit at the Hall of Fame.
Referee Seminar
Veteran referee Jack Reiss led an ABC referees seminar in an adjacent hall. He showed video scenarios that sparked lively discussion among attendees.
Legal Challenges and Future Plans
Afternoon sessions turned to legal matters. Attorney John Wirt and WBO counsel Andy Horn warned members about a new Unified Boxing Organizations (UBO) proposal. They explained that the UBO plan would merge regulatory, promotional, and sanctioning duties into one body, mirroring the UFC model. The proposal also seeks to keep fighter purses confidential and replace random drug testing with scheduled tests.
Wirt and Horn reviewed the Professional Boxers Safety Act and the Ali Act of 1996. They argued that the proposed “Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act” would limit due process for fighters.
The counsel urged WBO, WBC, WBA, and IBF to unite against the bill. President Olivieri said IBF president Daryl Peoples supports a joint front. He also suggested a combined WBO‑IBF convention in Orlando in autumn 2026 and a 2027 meeting in Budapest, Hungary.
Overall, Day Two delivered important updates on youth titles, digital tools, legal threats, and the legacy of a boxing legend.
Source: Fight News
