My Indonesian Journey: An Extraordinary Human Adventure and a Historic Milestone for the Country.
My trip to Indonesia has been nothing short of extraordinary. I had the privilege of experiencing the renowned hospitality of the Indonesian people, exploring the lush island of Borneo, and making history with the largest boxing organization in Asia in 2024. Witnessing 270 million people celebrate the victory of our national hero, Daud Yordan—a remarkable boxer and esteemed senator—marked a significant milestone.
I am profoundly honored and proud to have Daud as a champion in our IBA federation for the second time. This achievement is the result of the tireless efforts of the promoters and his team, my dedicated officials, trusted partners, collaborators, assistants, coaches, managers, and the media. Daud’s recognition as one of the top 30 boxers in the world in his category, particularly in the super lightweight division, is a testament to his remarkable skill and determination.
I also extend my deepest respect to his opponent, Herman Carrizo, for providing us with such a challenging and memorable fight, and to his trainers, including Marcelo Dominguez, a seven-time WBC world champion, and his assistant.
Writing the history of sports in a country is no small feat, but achieving it brings an unparalleled sense of joy and fulfillment. Being part of this Indonesian adventure, and dedicating over 30 years to developing our sport, has truly been a gift. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this incredible experience.
Interestingly, Pope Francis was visiting Indonesia at the same time, which I like to think was a sign of our success… who knows! 🙏