In a newsletter sent out by the World Boxing Association (WBA) in August, a “Trainer Course” was announced to be held by the sanctioning body via Zoom. FightsATW received a review from boxing trainer Kemuel Sanchez as he went through the course.
The newsletter stated, “The World Boxing Association (WBA) has opened registration for its Trainers’ Course, beginning on October 8th, to be held in English online for people from all over the world. The organization enabled a simple and intuitive platform, where students can enter to get all the information and register directly in what will be the third course that is carried out in this way. All interested parties can access the link at the end of this text to learn more about the content and the rest of the important points required to enroll in the course.”
Sanchez, a trainer who is a Marine Veteran, a fighter who is in the Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame and worked in the training camp of former world champion Brandon Figueroa, decided to enroll in the course to add any tools the WBA could offer him to further his experiences as a trainer. His experiences were more bad than good, but the worst part was that, in the end, he didn’t get anything to validate his attendance in the course.
Here is Sanchez’s in-depth review of his experience attending the WBA’s Trainer Course.
When I first heard about the World Boxing Association (WBA) Trainer Course, I was very excited. After reviewing the course curriculum and syllabus, I saw that it would span 10 consecutive weeks. I decided to enroll and paid $450.00 to WBA Boxing. As a coach who constantly seeks ways to learn and adapt to the ever-evolving nature of boxing, I anticipated this course to be a worthwhile investment in expanding my knowledge and outreach to those I train and mentor.
Since its founding in 1921, the WBA has been known for its profound impact on the boxing world, representing not only an iconic organization but also a dream for countless young boxers—the dream of becoming a champion and earning the honor of wearing the WBA belt. The course was held once a week for about 1 hour and 30 minutes via Zoom, where we could attend lectures and ask questions. The sessions were conducted by Fabrico Nieva and Ruperto Ruiz, who created a professional and well-organized learning environment. The PowerPoint presentations and supplemental materials were well-constructed and greatly aided the learning process.
When one thinks of the WBA, professional boxing and championships naturally come to mind. However, this course primarily focused on the basics of boxing, which seemed more suited for beginner coaches. For coaches with more experience, the content felt somewhat elementary. The course could have been condensed into five weeks instead of ten by covering two modules per week or offering the option to work ahead at our own pace. When specific questions about professional boxing were raised, we were told these topics would be addressed later. Unfortunately, the course only skimmed the surface, touching on general topics like the duration of rounds and fight layouts without delving into specifics.
Overall, the WBA Trainer Course left much to be desired. It was geared more toward amateur coaching in a gym setting rather than providing tips for professional fights, training camps, or injury prevention strategies. While I understand that the course is designed for a global audience, it missed opportunities to incorporate real-world examples and case studies that could have enriched the learning experience. For instance, during championship fights, coaches often designate a team member to observe the opposing team’s hand-wrapping process. This not only promotes integrity but also ensures that no unauthorized items or techniques are used. Including such practical knowledge would have significantly enhanced the course’s value. The final video mentioned that there would be further courses at different levels in the following year.
The final examination was scheduled for December 19th; however, the time was not sent until a few hours beforehand. When I tuned in for the final Zoom meeting, I waited 45 minutes to be added but was never admitted. Despite the attempt to contact Gilberto Echeverria and Fabrico Nieva for clarification and follow-up, I have yet to receive a response. Furthermore, I never received a certification of completion, even though I successfully passed the weekly exams. This lack of communication and organization was deeply disappointing and unprofessional for an organization of the WBA’s stature.
Ultimately, while the WBA Trainer Course has the potential to be a valuable resource for boxing coaches worldwide, it fell far short of realistic expectations. It lacked depth, real-world application, and proper support for its participants. For an organization as esteemed as the WBA, offering a course with such fundamental flaws undermines the trust and respect they’ve built over the years. If the WBA hopes to continue offering educational programs, it must invest in creating content that meets the needs of coaches at all levels and provides the professional experience its name promises.
Until significant improvements are made, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this course to other coaches. A program like this should elevate the sport by empowering its participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to train the next generation of champions. Unfortunately, this course failed to do so. After the 10-week course, I am down $450 with nothing to show for it.
Do The Right Thing
This training course looks to be a good thing for the sport. Obviously, there are some things that need to be ironed out. If you are with the WBA and are reading this, do the right thing and fix this situation with Sanchez. Also, use his comments about the course to help improve it so it can eventually be a well-oiled machine. No one wants to be out 450 dollars and have nothing to show for it.
Discover more from Fights Around The World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
