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The opening day of the WBA Asia Convention in Suzhou, China, set the tone with an electric atmosphere on Wednesday. With WBA President Gilberto Jesús Mendoza in attendance, the event kicked off in grand fashion, blending modern vision with the timeless spirit of boxing.
Mendoza’s opening address launched the first official meeting of the convention early in the day. In his remarks, he praised the regional efforts led by Asia Director Won Kim, highlighting the work done to elevate the sport across the continent through major fights, title bouts, and a wide range of initiatives that continue to fuel boxing’s growth.
In a symbolic gesture, Kim presented Mendoza with a special regional belt, inscribed with his name and adorned with the Venezuelan flag — a tribute to the President’s roots. The meeting also served as a platform to review the current state of boxing in Asia and outline the challenges ahead, which the regional body vowed to face with the commitment and seriousness they demand.
Later in the afternoon, the convention hosted its traditional and highly anticipated judges and referees seminar. A strong panel of experts led the session, joined by dozens of participants from both Asia and abroad — an invaluable opportunity to continue advancing in one of boxing’s most vital areas: ensuring fairness inside the ring.
The day concluded with a gala evening featuring awards presentations, a traditional Chinese dinner, and cultural performances that captivated the audience. It was a memorable first day for the convention, which will continue with more meetings and culminate in professional boxing action on its third day.
