IBF/USBA Celebrating 25 Years!

Members of the IBF/USBA began arriving in Hamburg, Germany on 5/27 to convene for the organization’s 25th Annual Convention. To kick off the gathering members were treated to a special event to meet Eastern European and German Champions. Making an appearance was IBF Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko who strolled in casually late yet welcomed with a giant applause by the conventioneers. On this evening, Klitschko was awarded the Championship Ring for having defended his title on at least three consecutive defenses and it was presented to him by Marian Muhammad, IBF/USBA President. Ms. Muhammad noted, “In less than three years, he (Klitschko) has fought six times and that is not usual.” She thanked Klitschko for attending to the event and honorably bestowed him with the ring. Klitschko accepted graciously and was grateful for all the kind words. Klitschko added, “I hope you all have a nice time here in beautiful Hamburg, it’s my hometown away from Austria.” Klitschko is training in Germany to prepare for his upcoming fight scheduled to take place in Hamburg on July 12th against American Tony Thompson.

Other fighters in attendance at the Meet the Champions event were IBF Inter Continental Junior Middleweight Champion Marco Schulze, Robert Rolle; Eastern European Light Heavyweight, IBF Intercontinental Champion Lucas Konecny; IBF Youth Super Middleweight Robert Steiglitz and former Intercontinental Super Middleweight Champion Malik D.

Aside from the usual convention business, members will attend seminars hosted by leading professionals in their respective fields. The Medical Seminar will be presented by Dr. William Lathan and Dr. Paul Wallace of the United States, and joining them will be Dr. Bodo Eckman of Germany – all renown ringside physicians. Larry Hazzard, Sr., former New Jersey State Athletic Commisioner, will lead the Referees Seminar and longtime judges Steve Weisfeld of New Jersey and Arthur Ellensohn of Germany are hosting the Judges Seminar.