WBC CISBB Rebranding: The Creation of WBC Eurasia Marks a New Era in Professional Boxing
The latest meeting of the WBC Board of Directors took place during the 63rd Annual Convention of the World Boxing Council, held in Bangkok, Thailand. This gathering became one of the most significant events of the year, marking an important milestone in the development of global professional boxing.
CISBB Receives a New Name — WBC Eurasia
During the convention, the organization previously known as CISBB (the Boxing Bureau of CIS and Black Sea Countries) was officially renamed WBC Eurasia. This decision opens a new chapter in strengthening cooperation between European and Asian boxing federations and forms part of WBC’s long-term strategy to expand the organization’s presence and influence across the region.
The WBC Board of Directors unanimously confirmed Gafur Rakhimov, a well-known sports figure from Uzbekistan, as President of WBC Eurasia. His extensive experience, strategic vision, and major contribution to the development of boxing were highly recognized during the meeting. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman congratulated Rakhimov and referred to him as “the father of modern boxing in Uzbekistan,” emphasizing his significant role in elevating the sport’s level and popularity both within the region and internationally. Sulaiman also highlighted Rakhimov’s active involvement in WBC’s global affairs since joining the WBC Board of Governors in 2023.
Uzbekistan’s Role and the Strategic Vision for WBC Eurasia
In recent years, Uzbekistan has demonstrated impressive progress in professional boxing. A vivid confirmation of this was the 61st WBC Convention held in Tashkent in 2023, which earned high praise for its level of organization, sports diplomacy, and the country’s international standing. The Uzbekistan Professional Boxing Federation continues to introduce tournaments aligned with WBC standards, strengthen global partnerships, and create opportunities for young athletes to advance to the world stage.
In his address, newly appointed WBC Eurasia President Gafur Rakhimov outlined the key strategic directions for the new structure. Among them are innovative cooperation between European and Asian federations, the creation of educational programs for athletes, coaches, and officials, the development of major media and marketing initiatives, and the establishment of a unified boxing market based on WBC standards.
He also emphasized his long-standing friendship and cooperation with the late WBC Lifetime President José Sulaimán, acknowledging his fundamental role in shaping modern professional boxing. According to Rakhimov, the legacy and values established by José Sulaimán will continue to influence the activities of WBC Eurasia and guide the organization’s future development.
The creation of WBC Eurasia represents an important step toward expanding the geographic and institutional presence of WBC in the international arena. Uzbekistan’s active involvement within the new structure will strengthen the country’s position in global sports and open new opportunities for the next generation of professional boxers.
WBC will continue to publish key updates and announcements throughout the course of the convention, outlining future developments in the world of boxing.
