The draw was made by AIBA President and WSB Chairman of the Board Dr C. K. Wu and broadcast live on the World Series Boxing (WSB) website. Dr Wu had the following to say on the close of the 12 weeks of the 2010-2011 regular season last weekend:
“I have attended several matches over the season and have had the privilege of seeing many a boxer’s dream come true.
“For the first time, the world’s top boxers can enjoy training in a team, regular competition against world-class opponents and the chance to earn a regular salary.”
Paris were drawn first and will face Baku away on the first leg of their semi-final, while Los Angeles were drawn against the Astana Arlans and also expressed their preference for their first semi-final to be the away leg. The first matches will take place on April 8-9 and the second leg will be one week later on April 15-16.
Dr Wu concluded by reminding viewers that the competition does not end with the team finals. “The WSB champions can look forward to a cheque for half a million dollars. But the beauty of the WSB format is that the season does not end there.
“Two weeks after the WSB champion is crowned in the city of Guiyang, China in early May, the top two boxers in each of the five weight categories will travel back to the same city for the Individual Championships.
“At stake will be a winner’s cheque for 20,000 dollars and a quota place for the London 2012 Olympic Games.”
