WBA Executive VP meets China’s Chengdu authorities

May 17, 2007 - The World Boxing Association Executive Vice-President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza had on Thursday a formal meeting with Mr. Jiang Xianlun, Municipal People's Government Vice-Mayor of the city of Chengdu, China, and Mr. Qin Wen Ling, Director of the Sports Bureau of Chengdu, where the 86th WBA Annual Convention will be held from next October 7th through 13th, 2007.

Also present at the meeting were the Vice-Director of the Chengdu Sports Bureau, Ms. Li Yujin, Mr. Liu Gang, the first ever professional boxer from China and now a sucessful promoter in Chinese boxing, and promoter Philippe Fondu.

Therefore, the WBA ratified its historical agreement to become the first sanctioning bodie ever to hold an Annual Convention in the great country of China.

“For us it’s such a tremendous honor to be the first ones to be working alone with a country like this that keeps growing very fast in every field. Boxing is one of them and we are proud to help them to experience the development they deserve,” Mr. Mendoza said.

“We have to thank the City and the Sports Bureau authorities for all their support, cooperation, and efforts to make this historical WBA Convention possible. Also, Mr. Liu Gang and promoter Philippe Fondu have been crucial,” Mr Mendoza added.
“We thanks the presence of Mr. Mendoza in China and wish the WBA the best for its Convention,” said Mr. Qin Wen Ling, who has been crucial in the organization of the China Women’s World Cup China 2007.

Ms. Jiang Xianlun, said that “the city of Chengdu is very pleased as the WBA and the Chengdu Sports Bureau made such an important agreement, for the benefit of China’s boxing.”

“We will offer all our support to the attendees so they can take a little of Sichuan’s and Chengdu’s culture home,” Mr. Jiang Xianlun added. On Friday morning, an agreement will be signed by Mr. Mendoza, Mr. Mr. Jiang Xianlun, and Mr. Qin Wen Ling during a formal act that will be followed by a press conference to officially announce that the 86th WBA Annual Convention will be held in Chengdu from October 7th through 13th, 2007.

Located 1.518 kilometers / 943miles South West of Beijing, Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan province and its 10-million people population makes it the fifth most populous city of the country.

Chengdu is known for its unique architecture and constructions of the Ming Dynasty and its Buddhist temples, which contrasts with its modern transportation and communication structure, one of the best in China. Also, the famous Pandas are one of the special attractions of this region as well as their “fine cousine”, both things that the Chengdu people can be very proud of.