WBA Asia Convention Opens in Vietnam
The World Boxing Association’s first WBA Asia Convention in Vietnam ran Aug. 9–11, 2024, in Ho Chi Minh City. Hosted with the Vietnam Boxing Commission and Shadow Entertainment, the gathering brought regional boxing officials together for seminars, governance discussions and a professional boxing card. The WBA described it as the first WBA-Asia convention held in Vietnam.
Officials and organizations met in Ho Chi Minh City
The convention took place at the New World Saigon Hotel and was organized by the Vietnam Boxing Commission and Shadow Entertainment. The WBA reported about 140 attendees, including representatives of boxing organizations and commissions. Sessions covered officiating, record keeping, commissions and the development of professional boxing in the region.
A ring-official seminar formed part of the program, giving judges and referees an opportunity to review rules and standards. The event also provided a forum for WBA Asia delegates to discuss tournament plans and the practical work of regulating professional bouts. These activities made the convention a governance and training meeting as well as a public-facing boxing event.
A boxing card closed the convention
The convention concluded on Aug. 11 with a professional card at Saigon Sports Club Arena. The announced main event featured WBA Asia light-flyweight champion Arvin Jhon Paciones of the Philippines against Thailand’s Nanthanon Thogchai. Other bouts included regional title and tournament matchups featuring boxers from across Asia.
The card connected the convention’s administrative program to competition in the ring. It also showcased local promotion and the Vietnam Boxing Commission’s role in hosting international boxing participants. The event’s significance was the gathering’s first-of-its-kind status for Vietnam and its inclusion of both officials’ education and professional bouts.
What the event did—and did not—establish
The convention marked a notable step for professional boxing organizations in Vietnam, but one gathering does not by itself establish a permanent regional hub or guarantee future major events. The WBA and local organizers framed the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and develop the sport. Its longer-term impact depends on continued events, official oversight and opportunities for boxers to compete.
Sources
- World Boxing Association: First WBA Asia Convention opens
- World Boxing Association: Convention closes with a boxing event
- World Boxing Association: Paciones to defend his title at the convention
- Viet Nam News: Convention opens in Ho Chi Minh City
Tags: WBA Asia Convention, Boxing
