Op-Ed: Amateur Boxing Gets Big Boost with World Ranking by AWR

Thousands of amateur boxers from around the world do not get due recognition for their achievements as they are either not ranked or they don't have readily available credentials to obtain amateur world rankings.

While other amateur boxers want to remain amateurs in order to give honors to their countries of origin, a great majority of these boxers want to fight under world professional boxing organizations such as WBC, WBO, IBF and WBA among others. Cognizant of the need for amateur boxers to get world ranking in open-class amateur boxing, Ali Mahvan and Vito Mielnicki have launched Amateur World Rankings (AWR) to give recognition to rising amateur boxers around the world. "Amateur boxers are not getting the proper exposure they deserve," said Mahvan. "Every other sport has a farm system they use to build their athletes. We don't take proper care of our farm system with boxing. To keep it alive, we have to do some more work and that's why I formed the AWR." Amateur boxers who have registered with AWR will have a chance to compete in future AWR World Titles which AWR will soon be staging. Prospective members are required to submit among others, their complete name and address, age,weight, trainer/coach, gym, titles and year won.. These information will form part of the AWR database which can be viewed by promoters who are scouting for future professional boxers. AWR will then keep tract of the registered boxer's fights in his own country and in other countries where he fought in order to monitor and maintain his rankings. According to Mahvan, he is trying to arrange with professional boxing promoters like Gary Shaw, Greg Cohen, Joe Defardia and Art Pallulo, among others, to feature AWR-ranked fighters as well as AWR World Title matches as opening bouts or supporting bouts of their televised cards. "The benefits of this would go both ways," he explained. "I want young amateurs to get a first-hand feel of what it's like to be a professional boxer. I think it will inspire them. And on the other end, the promoter will get access to a whole new group of fans and sell all the additional tickets that come with it for almost no additional overhead. It's win/win. The fighters get the exposure they deserve and for the promoter it makes good sense business-wise and serves as a way to motivate and develop new talent to the sport." To register, applicants must submit their amateur boxing credentials to AWR or its authorized agent in the country where he is a citizen or resident. AWR will soon publish the names of country representatives who are authorized to assist in processing application and registration. Additional information can be obtained from www.amateurworldrankings.com. In the Philippines, interested parties may contact Mr. Leo Reyes at leosfirm@yahoo.com or at 0916-7463223.