With the express goal of promoting boxing in areas where the sport has not yet taken hold, the World Boxing Association announced today that it has opened an office in Beijing called WBA-China.

“This cooperation agreement is vital for the development of regional boxing,” said WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, “so the Chinese fighters can grow within the country, then seek regional titles and of course try to qualify for a world title. But the most important thing is that we meet one of the main objectives of the WBA, which is to promote pugilism in different parts of the world.”

Mr. Li Yi Dong has been appointed president of WBA-China and is as enthusiastic as Sr. Mendoza at this development.

“The Chinese market has great future,” he said, “because right now the government of my country is promoting this activity. So I think the WBA-China will have a great future and will be vital for the development of the sport in China.”

The newly opened offices for WBA-China will have the power to regulate title fights in China with the aim of creating opportunities for Chinese fighters to fight for regional titles before fighting for a world championship.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.