Celes Boxing gym head Shoji Kobayashi, better known as Celes Kobayashi, was formally named the new president of the East Japan Pro Boxing Association at its general meeting on Feb. 25, replacing outgoing president Susumu Hanagata, 75, head of Hanagata Boxing Gym, starting Apr. 1.

The 48-year-old Kobayashi, a former World Boxing Association super flyweight champion, unveiled his manifestos as follows:

(1) Further promotion of kids’ boxing.
I have been tackling the matter for 15 years as a board member as I was in charge of the operation of kids boxing aged under 15. I will continue to tackle the matter sine these kids are a ‘’reservoir’’ of the boxing world.

(2) Enhancement of boxers with class C and B licenses who have four-round or six-round
fights.
I will try to beef up the overall level of their fights.

(3) Better relations with Japan Boxing Federation which is in charge of the nation’s amateur
Boxing world.
We hope to nurture more amateur boxers vis-à-vis Olympic Games by eliminating psychological barriers among professional boxing and amateur boxing.

(4) Strengthening of the relationships between us and Japan Boxing Commission
We hope to beef up boxing further in comparison with other combat sports by tackling various matters en bloc.
Photo by East Japan Boxing Association: From L (Messrs Susumu Hanagata, Shoji Kobayashi and lifetime honorary president Masahiko ‘’Fighting’’ Harada).