The 103rd Annual WBA Convention Comes to a Close
The 103rd Annual WBA Convention Comes to an End. The event was held at the Caribbean Royal Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. On the last day key seminars for boxing officials were held. These seminars were focused on improving their skills. Judges and referees participated in practical training and discussions on how to make better decisions in the ring.
Judges Training: Mental Computing
The morning seminar for judges highlighted the philosophy of Tom Kaczmarek, a legendary judge and Hall of Fame inductee. Kaczmarek, who retired in 2010, presented his “mental computing” method of scoring fights. Judges practiced this technique with examples of memorable fights, such as Sergey Kovalev vs. Jean Pascal. They also discussed how to avoid “mercy rounds.” This occurs when a judge feels pressure to score a round for fairness, not for the actual performance of the boxer.
Referees Learn Safety Lessons
After a short break, the referee seminar began. Video clips were used to explain key principles of refereeing. One important topic was to make sure that the ropes were not too tight. This was reminiscent of the tragic death of Davey Moore in 1963. In addition, when a referee should stop a fight was discussed. Who has the authority to do so was also discussed. Bernard Hopkins, former middleweight champion of the world, suggested that referees consult with other officials in some situations.
Convention Ends with Awards and Appreciation
The convention culminated with a ceremony to honor those who contributed to its success. WBA President Gilberto Mendoza Jr. thanked all those who made the event possible. He also highlighted the accomplishments of the WBA in 2024. This includes approving more than 400 bouts and offering opportunities to more than 800 boxers. Mendoza stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with promoters. He cited former WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel.
