The account will be led from Weber Shandwick's Geneva office, supported by London's sports practice.

WSB chief operating officer Ivan Khodabakhsh said: "It is vital we are able to communicate a wealth of information quickly and effectively to a wide range of stakeholders over the coming months and build the WSB brand."

The tournament will involve Olympic-standard boxers, who will for the first time experience regular worldwide competition over at least four months, boxing over five rounds. 

The PR campaign will cover the full spectrum of media services ranging from practical tool kits to digital and on-line communications.

Weber Shandwick will also offer WSB franchise teams a prepackaged solution for local communications that can be integrated into the global campaign.

The agency will report to director of PR and communications for AIBA and WSB Paul O'Neil.

 

The contract, which was signed between Khodabakhsh and Nick Stravs, the executive vice-president, international consulting EMEA of Weber Shandwick Geneva (pictured), covers the period until April 2011, which will mark the end of the ­inaugural WSB season.

The WSB will be held annually, allowing aspiring boxers to compete professionally without having to sacrifice competing on behalf of their countries at the Olympic Games.

The new tournament will feature 12 franchise teams spread across three regional conferences - Asia, Europe and the Americas - competing for team and individual championship titles.

AIBA President C.K Wu said: "The World Series of Boxing is evolving rapidly and it is vital that we are able communicate a wealth of information quickly and effectively to a wide range of stakeholders over the coming months and build the WSB brand."  

Weber Shandwick's extensive sports experience around the world has included working for UEFA, Nike, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, MasterCard, Samsung, FC Barcelona, Mobil1, the Sochi 2014, Sony, A1 GP of Motorsport, European Clubs Association, Abacus Lighting, the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Hyundai, Kick4Change, the Scottish FA, Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games and the International Skating Union.

Colin Byrne, the chief executive of Weber Shandwick, said: "Weber Shandwick’s presence in sports is one of our growing specialisms.

"I am more than delighted to welcome World Series of Boxing to our roster of international sporting leaders.

"The opportunity to play a role in communicating their vision for the future of boxing is a very proud moment for our firm.

"It became apparent to us that AIBA is a pioneering international sports federation with a dynamic vision for the future of boxing.

"That is a future where a quality amateur boxer has a choice to earn a living as a new kind of professional, with a chance to fulfil their Olympic dream."  


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