Add President Arroyo?s name to the growing list of distinguished guests to the 45th World Boxing Council Convention, which the country is hosting on Nov. 11 to 17 at the Manila Hotel.
According to Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain, the Chief Executive has confirmed her presence in the convention that will gather the biggest names in the sport.
?President Arroyo will be speaking in front of the delegates,? said Buhain yesterday during the formal launch of the annual convention scheduled Nov. 11 to 17 at the Manila Hotel.
?The President has confirmed her presence. I believe there?s a special gift the WBC is presenting her. Her presence will be a big welcome to our friends at the WBC,? the GAB chief added.
When the Philippines hosted the WBC convention for the first and last time in 1970, then President Ferdinand Marcos also played a role that led to the staging of the 1975 Thrilla in Manila.
During yesterday?s launch at the Roma Salon of Manila Hotel, Buhain said more than 600 delegates from 163 member nations of the WBC have already confirmed their attendance.
?It?s a working convention. Different issues will be tackled like possible reforms in the scoring system, licensing of fighters and sanctioning of fights and their continued safety,? said Buhain.
The WBC convention was held last year in Croatia, and will be held in China and Korea the next two years.
Included in this long, long list are the ageless WBC president Jose Sulaiman and the members of his board, and legendary boxers like Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler and Ken Norton.
Heavyweights Lennox Lewis and Vitaly Klitchsko are also coming, while Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns are still thinking about it. Oscar dela Hoya will be around.
