Parallel to the WBO World Convention, the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce will host the International Sports Economy Forum on October 28 and 29. It will feature participants such as multiple world champion Caterine Ibargüen and Olympic medalist Yuberjen Martínez, among others.

The International Sports Economy Forum will gather great champions and experts to reflect on how sport, branding, and communication can build industry, purpose, and social impact.

Bogotá, October 27, 2025.

The 38th edition of the World Boxing Convention is taking place from today until October 30 at Ágora Bogotá – Convention Center, under the leadership of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CCB), with the support of the Ministry of Sport, the National Boxing Federation, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and Fontur.

The World Convention, whose most recent edition was in Puerto Rico, will mark a milestone in boxing history as it is the first time it will be open to fans, professionals, and the general public. Additionally, it will gather more than 250 delegates from over 100 countries, including officials, promoters, trainers, referees, and boxers, and will contribute to boosting the economy of Bogotá and the Region through sectors such as hospitality, gastronomy, transport, trade, and tourism, generating employment and opportunities for local entrepreneurs and business owners.

Ovidio Claros Polanco, Executive President of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, stated: "Bogotá hosting an event as important as the World Boxing Convention is great news, as the most conservative estimates indicate that it will leave an approximate economic impact of 31.4 billion pesos and generate around 1,000 jobs, including direct and indirect employment."

Gustavo Olivieri, President of the World Boxing Organization, said: "It is an honor for the World Boxing Organization to celebrate our World Convention in Bogotá, a vibrant and energetic city that opens its doors to the world of boxing with enthusiasm and commitment. This edition represents the importance of incorporating institutional alliances, such as the one established with the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, to extend the scope of our non-profit mission, promoting the development of sport, education, and opportunities through boxing. We are grateful for the support of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Sport, and all the entities that have joined this joint effort. Together, we demonstrate that boxing not only produces champions in the ring but also generates social impact, economic development, and pride for an entire region."

The Executive President of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, Ovidio Claros Polanco; the President of the World Boxing Organization, Gustavo Olivieri; and the Minister of Sport, Patricia Duque, will attend the inauguration of the WBO World Convention.

International Sports Economy Forum

The WBO World Convention will frame a series of associated sports activities. The most notable is the International Sports Economy Forum, organized by the CCB, through the Sports and Recreation cluster, and the World Boxing Organization, which will be held on October 28 and 29, also at Ágora Bogotá – Convention Center.

Regarding the Forum, the Executive President of the CCB said: "The massive response to our call for the International Sports Economy Forum reflects the impact and enormous potential of this sector for the economy of Bogotá and the Region."

He added: "We were right to think big for this first edition of the Forum by inviting boxing figures such as Yuberjen Martínez, Fidel Bassa, Oscar ‘Pupilo’ Collazo, Iván ‘Iron Boy’ Calderón, but also relevant actors from other disciplines such as multiple world champion and Olympic medalist Caterine Ibargüen and representatives from the media such as Álvaro ‘El Tigre’ Córdoba, among others, who contribute to the growth of the sport from various perspectives. It is not only entertainment but also passion, health, and business development."

The International Sports Economy Forum will gather great champions and experts to reflect on how sport, branding, and communication can build industry, purpose, and social impact. One of the most attractive talks will be given by Caterine Ibargüen, titled ‘Jumping Higher Than Fear: Discipline, Identity, and Legacy’, scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at 2:00 p.m.

Another stellar moment will be the conference by Olympic medalist Yuberjen Martínez, taking place this October 29 at 8:30 a.m. at Ágora Bogotá – Convention Center. A must-see space will be the panel titled ‘From the Ring to the World: How Boxing Inspires, Unites, and Transforms’, which will be moderated by the CCB Executive President, Ovidio Claros Polanco, and will include former champions Oscar ‘Pupilo’ Collazo and Iván ‘Iron Boy’ Calderón.

Additionally, a trade show featuring around 30 companies has been arranged, which will exhibit their offerings to hundreds of Forum attendees.

'Night of Champions'

The agenda of the WBO World Convention includes the ‘Night of Champions’, a boxing event that will take place on the evening of October 29 and requires an invitation for entry.

An official WBO eliminator bout will feature the Colombian Laura Wollenmann (11-1, 3 KOs), WBO International Flyweight (112 lbs.) Champion and current number three in the world rankings, against former unified world champion Gabriela Celeste Alaniz (17-2, 7 KOs) of Argentina.

Another fight will be between undefeated Colombian Esteban Garzón (11-0, 5 KOs) of Bogotá, who will face highly-regarded Dominican prospect Miguel Queliz (11-1-1, 5 KOs) of Santo Domingo, for the vacant WBO Latino Lightweight (135 lbs.) title in a 10-round bout.

Among the featured bouts is also a duel between undefeated punchers: Puerto Rican Elise Soto (8-0, 7 KOs), managed by WBO Featherweight (126 lbs.) Champion Amanda Serrano, who will face Colombian Flor Rodríguez (9-0, 6 KOs) for the vacant WBO NABO Featherweight (126 lbs.) title in an eight-round match.