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Philippines, 10 Jan 2026 |
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WBO SOUTH AFRICAN AMAZED AT ASIAN SUCCESS PhilBoxing.com Mon, 23 Feb 2009  WBO South African representative Andrew Smale who was recently appointed this past convention by WBO President Francisco ?Paco? Valcarcel as representative for Africa was recently in Cebu to meet with WBO Asia Pacific / African Vice President and chairman Leon Panoncillo, Jr. to analyze and learn of how the structure of the Orient regional has been successfully operated. Panoncillo revealed that on March 20th the inauguration of the first WBO Africa Zone heavy weight championship will take off between Zack Mwekassa and Osborne Machimana at Johannesburg, South Africa upon approval of their sports authority. The African Zone body is another formed regional body of the World Boxing Organization that was developed and approved by the President which will be closely monitored by no less than the leadership of WBO Asia Pacific / African Vice President Leon Panoncillo. In a conversation with Mr. Panoncillo during the program of Penalosa-Meraz none title bout, he explained that the potential of the African Region is tremendous, there is a lot of prospect that sure will be discovered and WBO African representative Andrew Smale could work in the same capacity as Panoncillo has in the Asia Pacific Rim. Panoncillo believes he has the right guy in Andrew Smale, he is very ambitious and knowledgeable in professional boxing and I am sure he would fit perfectly to represent the WBO African region. "The WBO President introduced me to Mr. Smale at the convention and I could see why the President had wanted me to meet him," said Panoncillo. "I will work with Mr. Smale closely to provide him the necessary requirement of how it is done, this is why I had invited him to be part of this special program at Cebu, Philippines. Definitely the double regional bantamweight championship bout for the WBO Asia Pacific and Oriental titles this past Saturday should serve as perfect example on how supervising is done and it is an honor to assist him in this," explained Panoncillo. The leadership of Mr. Leon Panoncillo has brought the WBO organization to new heights in Asia, especially in the Philippines where more than 16 plus regional champions reside here, not counting two current WBO World champions. Panoncillo explained, more and more regional fights are now established this side of the region, It?s absolutely phenomenal of how this organization has expanded so quickly. Philboxing.com had a conversation with South African Andrew Smale, a well respected and decorated boxing official from Africa who explained that he was amazed how successful the WBO Asia Pacific and Oriental titles have been. "I have been reading it from internet sites and sports media reports alike of how successful Mr. Panoncillo was. I believe I am learning from the best and it is an honor to be here at Cebu with the Vice President as I will getting a lot of knowledge from what I will learn from him, " explained Smale. It is a privilege to be part of this important program at Cebu Philippines, to have met with current WBO world champion Gerry Penalosa, promoters and officials of Cebu Philippines. It was a well-run promotions, South Africa has seen nothing like it. Great job by the promoters," said Smale. "Not to mention the weather here is beautiful and warm, I also enjoyed the food here at Philippines, and it?s like food we prepare at South Africa. I would surely be back," he added. Smale then thanked WBO Vice President Leon Panoncillo, SGG Sports Promotions Sammy Gello-ani, Brave Heart Promotions Vice Governor Manny Pinol for inviting him. Photo: WBO Vice-President Leon Panoncillo poses with South African visitor Andrew Smale during a lull at the Cebu Coliseum boxing event last Saturday in Cebu City.  |
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