TransStadia will own the World Series Boxing India team, after signing a 10-year deal with World Series Boxing at Astana, Kazakhstan. World boxing body AIBA, which owns WSB, and Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) will be technical partners to sports infrastructure company TransStadia, who will oversee and manage commercial rights of WSB in India.
The WSB is AIBA’s attempt at creating a link between Olympic boxing and professional boxing. The WSB will be the only professional series wherein competing boxers will retain Olympic eligibility and take part on behalf of respective countries at the Games. The boxers will compete as part of teams across three regions: Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Commenting on the arrangement, Ivan Khodabakhsh, the WSB COO, said, “From the very beginnings of the idea for the WSB, we were convinced that there is huge potential for the tournament in India. Furthermore, the global dimension of the series is an excellent platform for TransStadia to showcase its innovative sports solutions on the international stage.”
Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu, AIBA President, said, “Having just seen India's junior boxers scoop two medals at the World Junior Boxing Championships in Astana, I am confident that boxing in India has a great future. The fact that India now has a WSB franchise will act as a fantastic incentive for these youngsters. I thank TransStadia for commitment to the World Series of Boxing.”
Udit Sheth, MD and CEO, TransStadia observed, “Boxing has captured the imagination of the world for a long time. Now it’s time for India to showcase some action. Indian boxers are capable of competing at the world level and we are sure our franchise will produce results.”
He added, “As team owners our goal is to create a culture of fitness and safety through picking up the art of boxing. The calibre of fitness required to punch effectively is extremely high and it is literally the survival of the fittest. Indians will very soon witness world class boxing in their cities.” TransStadia is a Mumbai-based company.
Mr. Sheth said, “TransStadia's plan in India is to nurture talent, create sustainable infrastructure, contribute to the sports industry and revolutionize the perception of Sports in India. India has a huge pool of hidden talent that will now emerge on the global front. With the Olympics around the corner, this could be anyone's fight.”
Each bout in the WSB will last five rounds of three minutes per bout. In addition, boxers will be provided with reliable income and guaranteed schedule of bouts. Individual boxers and city-based teams will be crowned as world champions. The Individual championships will consist of top two boxers in each weight category, competing for the title of WSB champion.
