By Gabriel F. Cordero
The first WBC University International Boxing Congress took place on October 1, 2, and 3 at the Guanacaste Sports Stadium in the Carrillo canton of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, focusing primarily on training, safety, and the professionalization of boxing throughout Central America.
More than 150 participants from Central America attended, joining international specialists and others dedicated to the development and protection of boxing in the region.
The event was led by WBC University Director Xochitl Lagarda and Carrillo Mayor Diana Méndez, alongside international officials and representatives from the Central American Boxing Federation (FECARBOX).
A strong strategic alliance was established between WBC University and FECARBOX to facilitate technical exchange, academic training, and the education of ring officials, judges, referees, ringside physicians, trainers, and cornermen.
The congress provided training on regulatory supervision, officiating, hand-wrapping techniques, and medical safety protocols.
In the medical field, participants received instruction from Dr. Paul Wallace, Chairman of the World Boxing Council (WBC) Medical Advisory Board and a leading international authority in sports medicine.
WBC University upholds its commitment to social responsibility and education through its outreach programs, “Champion’s Mind” (“Mente de Campeón”) and “Shaping a Champion’s Mind” (“Formando una Mente de Campeón”).
WBC University visited the Technical Professional College (CTP) in Carrillo, Costa Rica, engaging young students in discussions on mental health, combat sports, addiction prevention, education, psychology, and discipline.
WBC University awarded 11,000 scholarships for use on its digital learning platform, benefiting young people and boxers across the country.
Representatives from Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Belize, and Honduras presented the “Declaration of Carrillo Canton, Costa Rica,” which seeks to consolidate safety guidelines and collaborative action plans to uphold and protect boxing standards throughout the region.
