Cebu’s boxing community was well-represented at the recently concluded 37th World Boxing Organization (WBO) Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Two of the region’s most respected figures in boxing, international judge Edward Ligas and trainer/editing matchmaker Edito Villamor, attended the prestigious five-day event.
The convention gathered prominent boxing officials, champions, and personalities from around the world, providing Ligas and Villamor with invaluable insights into new trends, regulations, and practices shaping the sport. Both were eager to bring these insights back to Cebu and further develop the local boxing scene.
Ligas, who attended his 12th WBO convention, described the experience as “truly enriching.” He found particular inspiration in the opportunity to engage with top ring officials and international boxers. “Attending conventions like these is always inspiring. You get to interact with ring officials and meet top boxers from around the world,” he said.
Among the notable figures attending this year’s convention were outgoing WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, World Boxing Council (WBC) President Mauricio Sulaimán, boxing champion Terence Crawford, and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum. The event also marked the leadership transition as Gustavo Olivieri took over from Valcárcel as the new WBO President.
A key highlight for Ligas was the ABC Judges Seminar and Examinations, an essential training program for international boxing judges. Ligas emphasized that such seminars are crucial in improving the skills and professionalism of local boxing officials, particularly as Cebu continues to host an increasing number of boxing events. “The ABC Judges Seminar and examinations are crucial. They sharpen your skills and boost confidence, which is invaluable for Cebu’s boxing officials,” he said.
During the convention, Ligas also had the chance to witness a thrilling WBO NABO flyweight title fight in Humacao, Puerto Rico, where Filipino boxer Jayson Mama faced Puerto Rican contender Juan Carlos Camacho. Although Mama lost the fight, Ligas was inspired by the passionate local support for boxing. He expressed his hope that Cebu, with support from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), could one day host similar high-profile boxing events.
For Villamor, attending his third WBO convention was a chance to reconnect with old friends in the international boxing community. Representing PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions, Villamor viewed the convention as an opportunity to build on the relationships cultivated during the ALA Boxing era, further raising the profile of Filipino boxing.
“It was great to reconnect with old friends in boxing. Renewing these connections is essential for elevating our local boxing community,” Villamor shared. In addition to his networking efforts, Villamor also served as a cornerman during Mama’s fight and took away valuable lessons on updated boxing rules, scoring, and matchmaking that will benefit PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions in the future.
“The convention taught me so much about boxing rules, especially in scoring and matchmaking. Expanding our connections with officials, referees, promoters, and matchmakers is crucial for growing our local boxing community,” Villamor added.
Also attending the event were Cebuano referee and judge Rey Caitom Jr., WBO Asia Pacific Vice President Leon Panoncillo Jr., and international referee Danrex Tapdasan, all of whom proudly represented the Philippines on the world stage.
The 37th WBO Convention proved to be an important gathering for Cebu’s boxing representatives, offering them the tools and connections needed to elevate the local boxing scene while keeping Cebu’s reputation at the forefront of the sport.
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