Universal Boxing Federation
‘’‘Universal Boxing Federation (UBF)’’’ is a professional boxing sanctioning organization based in the United States. The organization sanctions championship contests across multiple weight divisions and geographic levels, including world, international, continental and regional championships.
The UBF states that its mission is to promote the integrity and traditions of professional boxing while recognizing deserving fighters through competitive championship opportunities. The organization works with promoters, matchmakers, fighters and athletic commissions in the sanctioning and administration of professional championship bouts.
The Universal Boxing Federation is listed by the Association of Boxing Commissions among boxing sanctioning organizations that have complied with filing requirements associated with the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.
History
The modern Universal Boxing Federation emerged in 2012 and began sanctioning professional championship contests in the United States and internationally.
Among the fighters associated with the UBF during its early years were Amanda Serrano, Cindy Serrano, Tommy Browne, Cosme Rivera and Hank Lundy.
Over time, the organization expanded its championship structure to include World, Inter-Continental, International, All-Americas, All-European, Asia-Pacific and other continental and regional championships.
Amanda Serrano and the First UBF World Championship
On February 16, 2013, Amanda Serrano captured the UBF World Featherweight Championship when she defeated Wanda Peña by first-round knockout at the Gran Arena del Cibao in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.
The victory made Serrano the first UBF World Champion.
Serrano also captured the WIBA featherweight championship in the contest, adding another world title to a career that would eventually establish her as one of the most accomplished female professional boxers of her generation.
Cindy and Amanda Serrano
Another early milestone in UBF history occurred on May 10, 2013, when Cindy Serrano defeated Grecia Nova by first-round knockout to become UBF World Super Featherweight Champion.
With Amanda Serrano already holding the UBF World Featherweight Championship, Cindy’s victory resulted in the sisters simultaneously holding UBF world championships in neighboring weight divisions.
The achievement placed the Serrano sisters among the relatively small number of siblings in professional boxing history to hold world-level championships at the same time.
Omar Henry — Honorary World Champion
The UBF also recognized the late undefeated junior middleweight contender Omar Henry as its first Honorary World Champion.
Following Henry’s death, his family was presented with an honorary UBF World Light Middleweight Championship belt in recognition of his career, courage and connection to the boxing community.
Championship Structure
The Universal Boxing Federation has sanctioned championships at several competitive and geographic levels.
UBF championships have included:
- ‘’‘UBF World Championship’’’
- ‘’‘UBF Inter-Continental Championship’’’
- ‘’‘UBF International Championship’’’
- ‘’‘UBF All-Americas Championship’’’
- ‘’‘UBF All-European Championship’’’
- ‘’‘UBF Asia-Pacific Championship’’’
- ‘’‘UBF All-Africa Championship’’’
- ‘’‘UBF Latino Championship’’’
- ‘’‘UBF regional championships’’’
Championships are contested across professional boxing’s recognized weight divisions.
‘’‘See also:’’’
International Activity
The UBF has sanctioned professional championship contests involving fighters from the United States and numerous international boxing markets.
UBF championship activity has included contests throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.
The organization’s continental championship structure is designed to provide professional fighters with opportunities to compete for regional and international recognition while progressing toward higher-level championships.
Charitable Activities
Charitable involvement formed part of the organization’s early history.
In December 2012, the Universal Boxing Federation announced a partnership with ‘’‘Buenas Cosas’’’, a Guatemala-based nonprofit initiative. The UBF announced that a portion of sanctioning revenue from November 2012 would be donated to the organization.
The initiative also included plans to have trees planted in Guatemala in recognition of UBF champions and members of the boxing community who had died.
Buenas Cosas subsequently recognized the Universal Boxing Federation as a founding donor.
Administration
Richard Spilotro serves as President of the Universal Boxing Federation.
The organization’s administrative responsibilities include championship sanctioning, bout approval, championship documentation, coordination with promoters and boxing officials, and oversight of UBF championship regulations.
Philosophy
The Universal Boxing Federation states that it was established with an emphasis on preserving the traditions and competitive integrity of professional boxing.
Its stated principles emphasize credible matchmaking, worthy championship challengers, ethical conduct, loyalty, honesty and good faith within the sport.
External Links
Sources
- Association of Boxing Commissions — Ali Act Compliant Sanctioning Organizations
- BoxingScene — Amanda Serrano championship coverage
- Boxing News 24 — Universal Boxing Federation / Cindy Serrano coverage
- Universal Boxing Federation official website