Philippines, 14 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


THE AMAZING GROWTH OF THE WBO IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION - PART I


PhilBoxing.com



WBO President Francisco Valcarcel.
From modest beginnings, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) has become a major force in the sport of boxing.

When the WBO was established in 1988, it did not envision an organization concentrated only in the established boxing territories of that era. Big fights were limited in rich countries like the United States, United Kingdom and Germany and in traditional boxing powers like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina and Panama.

Boxing outside these countries were either content in staging small scale boxing shows; big events happened few and far in between. Hence, one of the visions of the WBO was to reach all boxing personalities in every corner of the planet. It also had a goal of giving equal opportunity to all boxers, managers, and promoters from all countries to showcase their brand of boxing for the whole world to see.

Sometime during the remaining years of the 20th century, WBO President Francisco ?Paco? Valcarcel established the WBO Asia Pacific wing and appointed Leon Panoncillo of Hawaii, U.S.A to lead the new regional hub. Mr. Valcarcel envisioned that the biggest region on the planet in terms of land mass contain ?hidden treasures? waiting to be discovered.

Panoncillo faced a ton of challenges when he started his office in Bangkok, Thailand. There were already established regional groups like the PABA of the WBA and the OPBF of the WBC which had existing relationships with Asia-Pacific promoters. There were countries like Japan for example, whose JBC, only recognized the WBA and WBC and would not allow licensed promoters, managers and boxers to participate in any boxing matches outside of the two organizations. Professional boxing was also banned during that time, in China, the biggest country in the region. There were also problems with sponsorship, boxing had to compete with the more established sports like football and basketball for airtime on television.

With the odds stacked against him, Panoncillo did not lose hope. He continued to work hard to achieve the vision of the WBO and its President.

The first recorded WBO Asia-Pacific title fight happened in 1995 with Australian Jack Russel fighting Filipino Ramon Algora in Queensland, Australia for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific light flyweight title. There were no more WBO regional bouts that year. In 1997, there were four, only two in 1998 and one in 1999 and 2000. The outlook seemed bleak.

But when the new century unfolded, the WBO Asia Pacific was able to sanction a total of 11 fights in 2001,doubling in 2002 and 42 total bouts in the next two years.

The organization hit a milestone in 2004 with the staging of the first WBO world title fight in Thailand. The Asia Pacific champion Ratanachai Sor Vorapin dethroned Cruz Carbajal for the WBO bantamweight world crown.

To be continued ...


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 OCTOBER 2025: Ennis Wipes Out Lima; Vianello Defeats Barriere; Makhmudov Outpoits Allen
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Omar Juarez Set for Homecoming Clash Against Omar Rosario on October 18 i
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • BLAZEN ROCILI, THE 6’3” FILIPINO GIANT, SCORES DOMINANT 2ND-ROUND TKO OVER ORLANDO SALGADO IN AURORA, COLORADO
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • YORK HALL FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE CONFIRMED AS KIERON CONWAY VOWS TO TEACH 'OVER CONFIDENT' RIVAL GEORGE LIDDARD A LESSON
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Pedro Veitia Set to Face Fellow Unbeaten Xavier Ceron on October 18 in Texas, Live on DAZN
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Jesse Espinas Victorious, New IBF Asia Champion
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Naseem Hamed Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Kiddie Chess Tournament Goes to Farmers Plaza
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Manny Pacquiao vs. Rolly Romero in January 2026? Boxing Legend Eyes One More Run at Glory
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • 11 martial arts in BP 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • NM Medina beats Slovak GM, draws with FM Castellano to win the 8th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • “The Wonder Boy” Carl Jammes Martin Ready to Shine October 29 at the 50th Anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 19: JOE FRAZIER FIGHTS ALI, QUARRY AND ELLIS AGAIN
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Berchelt captures "Reynosa" WBC commemorative belt after triumphant return
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Supeyia Fights Mamdouh in Brico Santig’s Thailand Show; Elmo Traya and Raymond Yanong Also in Action Oct 25 LIVE on TrillerTV
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • PIJUS LABUTIS MAKES HISTORY WITH MAIDEN MATCHROOM MAJOR TRIUMPH IN HANOI
    , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV DEFEATS DAVE ALLEN AND DEMANDS TO FACE AJ NEXT
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Domingo faces Fajardo in Thrilla in Manila 2 Countdown
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Doroma-Aranas 2 on October 13
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FOR FISTS OF FURY 8, TOMORROW NIGHT AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Alvin Camique Busts the "Mafia" in Tanzania!!!
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • DAY FOUR: NEUHAUSEN, CAPITO, VERGARA AND LABUTIS CHARGE INTO SEMI-FINALS IN HANOI
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • RED OWL BOXING BOXFEST XVI LIVE ON DAZN RESULTS: DEONTE BROWN DEFEATS GRIMARDI MACHUCA
    , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • SBA Expands Scouting Tour to Discover New Talents for Season 2 Team Expansion
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • Alvin Camigue KOs unbeaten Ibrahin Mafia in Tanzania
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 11 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.