A record-breaking number of 283 boxers from 47 countries have registered to compete in the AIBA Junior World Boxing Championships 2009 in Yerevan, Armenia which will take place from May 23-30 following the closure of the registration process on Friday.

Formally called the AIBA Cadet World Championships, the premier AIBA event for boxers aged 15 and 16 years of age was first held in 2001 in Baku, Azerbaijan when 132 boxers from 21 countries took part. Since then, editions in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007 has seen participation levels rise to 230 boxers from 39 countries at the previous edition held two years ago in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Pic: AIBA President Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu presents the gold medal to Keita Tapia (86kg) of Puerto Rico at the AIBA Cadet World Championships Baku 2007

"This outstanding level of participation illustrates the growing popularity of international boxing, particularly at this level, a very critical age group for AIBA," AIBA President Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu said. "The Armenia Boxing Federation have prepared for this event thoroughly and we are looking forward to another event which continues the trend of improvement for international boxing and AIBA." 

"Great efforts are being taken to hold the AIBA World Junior Championships Yerevan 2009 at a most excellent level," explained Arman Muradyan, the President of the Armenia Boxing Federation. "We are looking forward to welcoming the younger generation of boxing to Armenia and enjoying the one-week spectacle."

Joining hosts Armenia with a full complement of 13 boxers are Hungary, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey, the Ukraine and USA. A total of 13 weight categories will be contested: 46 kg, 48 kg, 50 kg, 52 kg, 54 kg, 57 kg, 60 kg, 63 kg, 66 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg and 80+kg.

Traditional boxing superpower Russia has the best record at junior level having claimed a total of 53 medals over the six previous editions, including 25 gold medals. The Ukraine has the next best record with 33 medals, of which 10 are gold, while third-placed Azerbaijan boasts six gold medals amongst a total of 33 medals overall.

The AIBA World Junior Championships is one of six events in the AIBA family, which also includes the AIBA World Youth Championships (for boxers aged 17 and 18), the AIBA World Championships (boxers aged 17-34), the AIBA World Women's Championships, the AIBA World Cup and the AIBA President's Cup.

AIBA World Junior Championships Yerevan 2009 official page


AIBA WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS - RECORD PARTICIPATION NUMBERS