TransStadia Sign World Series of Boxing Deal to Launch Mumbai Fighters Team

August 2, 2011

Indian company TransStadia has signed a ten-year, unhealthy US$5 million deal with World Series of Boxing (WSB). The deal will enable the sports infrastructure company, based in Mumbai, to own and enter an Indian franchise in the international amateur boxing championship, which was launched last year.

The company will oversee, host and manage all commercial rights of the team, which will be named Mumbai Fighters, under guidelines set out by the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA), the apex body of the sport worldwide.

Udit Sheth, managing director and chief executive of TransStadia, said the company’s “plan in India is to nurture talent, create sustainable infrastructure, contribute to the sports industry and revolutionise the perception of Sports in India.”

He added: “Indian boxers are capable of competing at the world level and we are sure our franchise will produce results. As team owners our goal is to create a culture of fitness and safety through picking up the art of boxing. TransStadia is proud to be a member of this prestigious event and we will be working very closely with AIBA and IBF to ensure the success of the Indian boxing team. The first bout is in November 2011 and we are prepared for this season.”

WSB chief operating officer Ivan Khodabakhsh said: “I am delighted that we have a Mumbai-based team competing in the WSB. From the very beginnings of the idea for the WSB, we were convinced that there is huge potential for the tournament in India. Furthermore, the global dimension of the series is an excellent platform for TransStadia to showcase its image and innovative sports solutions on the international stage.”

AIBA president Dr Ching-Kuo Wu said: “I am confident that boxing in India has a great future. The fact that India now has a franchise in the World Series of Boxing will act as a fantastic incentive for these youngsters to hone their skills, in the knowledge that a secure future awaits them in the world of AIBA boxing.”

Wu concluded: “I would like to thank TransStadia for their commitment to the World Series of Boxing. I believe that they have understood that this is a long-term project and I am convinced that their expertise in the sports industry in India will help to make this new venture a success.”

With the addition of the Mumbai Fighters and a German team, the next World Series will consist of 14 franchises across three conferences in America, Asia and Europe.