Saint John— Ed Blanchard has been elected . . . by the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA).
Blanchard, has been named one of the top 70 referees and judges in the world following a three-year evaluation process conducted by the association.

The AIBA launched the evaluation process in 2007 in the hopes of improving the level of officiating in boxing. According to the AIBA website, referees and judges were "graded according to skill, potential, fitness — both mentally and physically — respect of ethics, availability and language ability.

" The top 70 officials received a three-star rating and that group was then ranked on the basis of their performances. From there, 45 referees and judges were selected to work at the AIBA world championships, which begin in late August in Milan, Italy.
Blanchard and 25 other 3 star officials are sceduled to work the prestigious Presidents Cup, Dec 5-13 in Baku Azerbajian.
Blanchard has a lengthy resume as a boxing official, including appearances at the world championships, Pan-am Games, Francophone Games."

As well, the 70 three-star referees and judges are to attend an AIBA referee and judges academy in Becancour, Que., in the spring of 2010 for more training.