Latvian Boxing Federation has commenced cooperation with US Florida-based International Boxing Organization (IBO).
The President of Latvian Boxing Federation Ēriks Pūle comments: «US is Latvia’s strategic partner and our countries have close cooperation in political, economic, security, education and culture. It is important to promote closer cooperation in sports, professional boxing included. An agreement has been reached with Florida-based International Boxing Organization (IBO). This agreement between the two countries will help accomplish this goal.»
Latvian Boxing Association plans to unite professional boxing clubs that train future European and world boxing champions. The association adds: «We actively cooperate with all Latvian boxing clubs and coaches so that our country’s talented boxers are able to participate in national and international professional boxing tournaments.»
«Our goal is to promote professional boxing among residents, including organisation of professional boxing tournaments and professional boxing camps both locally and internationally.»
Edward S.Levine, president of the International Boxing Organization says that Latvia should be proud of Mairis Briedis. «I am sure that, although he is the first Latvian World champion, there will be many more in the future.»
«I have personally watched him fight on two occasions, a great champion.
As you mentioned, Latvia and the United States are strategic partners and boxing should be part of that partnership,» Levine noted.
He also mentioned: «I, therefore, can assure you that we will cooperate with the Latvian Boxing Association and hopefully give young Latvian boxers another road to worldwide recognition and hopefully world titles.»
Pūle stresses that cooperation with boxing clubs is focused on the development of professional boxing in Latvia. «The association has picked carrying Latvia’s name into world boxing organizations as one of its main objectives, developing our country’s boxing to an international level. There are plenty of very talented boxers eligible for all kinds of support to help them win world championship belts, which means not only personal accomplishments but also promotion of Latvia’s name in the world of boxing.»
The association works off a social responsibility principle. It has commenced two charity projects for children and youngsters from poor families to have access to free boxing practice. It is very important to promote active and healthy lifestyle among youngsters. This is the only way we will be able to train the next generation of athletes and future boxing champions.
Events planned for 2022:
Latvian Boxing Association’s championship belt tournament;
Charity project for children to help children from poor families and orphanages engage in sports activities;
Friendly tournaments between US and Latvian boxers;
Training of Latvian professional boxing judges based on IBO standards;
There are also plans to assist Latvian boxing clubs to help train professional boxers and support them in the US and other professional boxing tournaments.
US and Latvia establish cooperation in professional boxing
