CEBU CITY—A veteran Filipino boxing referee “proudly represented” the country in the recent 2024 International Boxing Federation (IBF) Convention Referee Seminar in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Lawyer Danrex Tapdasan was the lone referee from Asia who was invited to join the convention that was attended by around 100 referees from all over the world.
Some notable boxing referees who attended the convention were Kenny Bayless, Mark Nelson, Celestino Ruiz, Luis Pabon, Roberto Ramirez, Charlie Fitch, Ricky Gonzalez, Robert Hoyle, and David Fields, among others.
“I highly appreciate the trust and confidence given to me by IBF Board led President Daryl Peoples, Ben Keilty, Carlos Ortiz and my mentors/role models Steve Willis Francis Willis and Tony Weeks to share my knowledge to all the best referees all over the world,” said Tapdasan.
There were also attendees from Canada as well as Europe such as Germany, France and Poland.
Tapdasan said the convention was an interactive seminar that gave the attendees the opportunity to share their knowledge.
“Learned a lot from all of my colleagues in this seminar. I proudly represented my country, the Philippines, in this endeavor,” Tapdasan said.
Tapdasan thanked the IBF Board led President Daryl Peoples for inviting him to the convention.
Tapdasan started as a referee in 2009. He has served as the third man on the ring for 20 world title fights, 44 regional championships, and 14 national championships.
Aside from being a noted referee, Tapdasan is also a boxing judge.
He has already served as a judge in 28 world title fights, 74 regional championships, and 15 national championships. (Calvin D. Cordova)
