British Franchise Joins World Series Of Boxing
The World Series of Boxing has announced the addition of a British franchise to the forthcoming season of the competition, with the ‘British Lionhearts’ team joining for the third edition of the series.
The unveiling of the British team comes as the WSB prepares to undergo a significant change for its new season, which commences next weekend on 15th November, with the new team fully supported by all three affiliated Home Nations – England, Scotland and Wales.
The WSB had previously operated on a city-based franchise system but will now switch to a format that includes national teams. The British Lionhearts will join Group B along with Dolce & Gabbana Italia Thunder, German Eagles, Ukraine Otamans, Astana Arlans Kazakhstan and USA Knockouts.
Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, International Boxing Association (AIBA) president and chairman of the WSB Board, said: ‘We are extremely happy that such a legendary boxing country has joined the World Series of Boxing. This latest addition gives a huge boost to the WSB programme and demonstrates once more its worldwide appeal.’
‘A few months after having confirmed franchises in Argentina, Poland, Ukraine – other major boxing markets – we are proud to make sure that the very best boxers in the world will compete in WSB this season.’
Meanwhile, Karim Bouzidi has been announced as its new chief operating officer, and will be responsible for all WSB operations, as well as managing the staff at the headquarters in Lausanne.
Bouzidi, who succeeds Ivan Khodabakhsh, added: ‘With new franchises, dozens of London Olympians on board and pro boxers now allowed, I am convinced that this third season will be the most successful to date.’
‘We want to show the world that WSB is the place to be when it comes to top quality boxing. WSB is the perfect platform for Olympic boxers to test themselves in a pro format and also presents the ideal pathway to a full professional career with the AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) programme, which is now just a year away.’
