LOOKS LIKE CUBA WONT BE GOING TO CHICAGO AFTER ALL...
AIBA waits on Cuba explanation
September 1, 2007
With the prospect of one of Boxing’s proudest nations potentially going to miss the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007, the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) has asked the Cuba Federation to provide the reasons for deciding not to register a team for AIBA’s premier event in an effort to see if it can help in anyway.
Cuba was one notable name missing from the list of 115 nations who registered their teams by the August 17 deadline, but it was also the only federation who did not submit their team registration from those who had initially indicated their participation in the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007 on July 18.
AIBA President Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation on receiving a letter from the Cuba Federation dated August 27 which informed of its decision not to participate in the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007 but failed to provide a reason why.
“We realize how much Cuba means to Boxing and the Boxing community so I have asked Cuba to provide me with an explanation so I can see if there is anyway we can help,” Dr. Wu said. “Taking into consideration Cuba's standing and history in international boxing and in the development of the sport, we would of course like to see Cuba participate in AIBA's premier event but we need to wait to receive the full details from Cuba before advancing on this matter any further.”
The AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007, which is the opening qualifying event for the Beijing Olympics, will be the biggest World Championships in AIBA history following the enlisting of 623 boxers from 115 countries.
September 1, 2007
With the prospect of one of Boxing’s proudest nations potentially going to miss the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007, the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) has asked the Cuba Federation to provide the reasons for deciding not to register a team for AIBA’s premier event in an effort to see if it can help in anyway.
Cuba was one notable name missing from the list of 115 nations who registered their teams by the August 17 deadline, but it was also the only federation who did not submit their team registration from those who had initially indicated their participation in the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007 on July 18.
AIBA President Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation on receiving a letter from the Cuba Federation dated August 27 which informed of its decision not to participate in the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007 but failed to provide a reason why.
“We realize how much Cuba means to Boxing and the Boxing community so I have asked Cuba to provide me with an explanation so I can see if there is anyway we can help,” Dr. Wu said. “Taking into consideration Cuba's standing and history in international boxing and in the development of the sport, we would of course like to see Cuba participate in AIBA's premier event but we need to wait to receive the full details from Cuba before advancing on this matter any further.”
The AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007, which is the opening qualifying event for the Beijing Olympics, will be the biggest World Championships in AIBA history following the enlisting of 623 boxers from 115 countries.
Yep - 115 is a lot of countries and boxers. I wonder if this is because they all want to see Chicago.... 
Wonder what AIBA will do to "convince" the Cubans to come....promise them that no promoters will be allowed within 100 miles? Give them added security so no one can get near the team? Provide them with securely locked rooms so the boxers can't get out after leaving the venue? Will be interesting to see what Castro tells AIBA......if he gives an explanation at all.
Wonder what AIBA will do to "convince" the Cubans to come....promise them that no promoters will be allowed within 100 miles? Give them added security so no one can get near the team? Provide them with securely locked rooms so the boxers can't get out after leaving the venue? Will be interesting to see what Castro tells AIBA......if he gives an explanation at all.