What is the WBA?

This Saturday, November 30th, Indonesian boxing fans are in for a treat as Ongen Saknosiwi steps into the ring to compete for the prestigious WBA South title at BYON Combat Showbiz Vol. 4, hosted at the Tennis Indoor Senayan arena. For those who may not be too familiar, the WBA—or the World Boxing Association—is one of the most respected and historical organizations in professional boxing.

A Brief Look at the WBA

The WBA is the oldest governing body in professional boxing, officially founded in 1921 as the National Boxing Association (NBA) in the United States. In 1962, it rebranded to the World Boxing Association to reflect its global reach and influence.

Over the decades, the WBA has sanctioned some of the biggest and most memorable fights in boxing history. Legends like Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran, Manny Pacquiao, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have all held WBA titles, solidifying its reputation as one of the four major boxing organizations alongside the WBC, IBF, and WBO.

Titles under the WBA are awarded to fighters across various weight classes, and they range from regional belts (like the WBA South title) to world championships. These titles serve as stepping stones for fighters on their way to competing at the highest

levels of the sport.

The Importance of the WBA South Title

While not a world championship, the WBA South title is a significant accolade, particularly for fighters in the Southeast Asia and Oceania regions. Winning this belt means more than just adding hardware to a trophy case—it represents dominance in the regional boxing scene and often serves as a launching pad to bigger opportunities.

For Ongen Saknosiwi, this fight isn’t just another match; it’s a chance to put Indonesia on the map in professional boxing. A victory would make him a proud bearer of a title under the prestigious WBA banner, raising his profile not only locally but internationally.

Why This Win Would Matter for Indonesia

Indonesia has long been passionate about combat sports, but boxing often takes a backseat to other sports like badminton or soccer. Fighters like Ongen have been working hard to change that narrative. A WBA South title win would shine a much-deserved spotlight on Indonesian boxing and inspire the next generation of fighters.

Moreover, Ongen’s win would cement his name in the sport as a serious contender. Regional titles like this often open doors to world title opportunities down the line. It’s not just about individual glory—it’s about showing the world that Indonesia has what it takes to compete on the global stage.

Final Thoughts

The WBA has a long, rich history of celebrating boxing’s greatest champions, and this Saturday, Ongen Saknosiwi has the chance to etch his name in that legacy. A victory at BYON Combat Showbiz Vol. 4 wouldn’t just be a personal triumph—it would be a win for Indonesia, its boxing community, and its ever-growing fanbase.

As Ongen steps into the ring, he carries the hopes of a nation. With determination and skill, he might just bring the WBA South title home and take Indonesian boxing to the next level.