In February, various rumors began to emerge about the future of the team Uzbek Tigers in the World Series of Boxing (WSB). The mass media reported that the Boxing Federation of Uzbekistan has suspended funding the team. Kun.uz correspondent had an interview with the President of the National Olympic Committee Umid Akhmadjanov regarding the situation.
- Uzbekistan was represented by the Uzbek Tigers team during the last three seasons in the World Series of Boxing. Last week, information spread that the team broke up. How accurate is this information?
- The tournament occupies a special place in the development of the Uzbek boxing industry. Fights of the WSB series open new stars, strong boxers get the opportunity to show their abilities. A very important aspect is that these competitions are a good stage in preparing our boxers for such tournaments as the Asian and World Championships, the Olympic Games. Strong boxers from Cuba, Russia, Kazakhstan and other leading boxing nations are participating in the WSB. Our boxers, entering the ring, compete with such strong rivals and improve skills.
Turning to your question, I’ll note that the Uzbek Tigers team will take part in the new season of the tournament. We inform you that the team's home matches will take place on the largest and best arenas of our country. In particular, here you can mark the arena of the multifunctional palace “Humo”, the opening of which will take place next month, and the stadium “Milliy”, where you can watch bright fights with the participation of Uzbek boxing stars. The National Olympic Committee is ready to provide necessary assistance and support to the country's boxing federation for effective work of the Uzbek Tigers. All conditions will be created for the team.
- What changes are expected in the new season of WSB? Previously, the tournament began in February, but due to the fact that the 9th season has not yet begun, rumors are spread that AIBA has closed the tournament.
- Starting from this year, AIBA has set a goal to make changes to the format of the tournament. In the Olympic Games 2020, there will be 8 weight categories in men's boxing instead of 10, due to which there are 5 categories in women's boxing. Consequently, there will be 8 weight categories in the World Boxing Series and they will be divided into 2 leagues – lightweight (52, 57, 63, 69 kg) and heavyweight (75, 81, 91, 91+ kg) categories. A participating country may represent its teams in two categories.
Due to the fact that licenses for the Olympics in Tokyo 2020 will be played out in the tournament, AIBA plans to hold team competitions from October 2019 to February 2020. The WSB, which will be held from May 29 to June 6, 2020, will hold licensed competitions and single finals. Following this tournament, 16 boxers will be known who will play at the Olympics. Thus, AIBA does not close the tournament, but thinks about its development methods.
