This Sunday the finals of the International Tournament took place in honor of the President Emeritus of the World Boxing Association (WBA), Gilberto Mendoza. The Jose Joaquin Papa Carrillo Gymnasium in Miranda, Venezuela, was the venue where the last four fights of the event took place and was attended by the most senior WBA leader, Gilberto Jesus Mendoza.

Since his arrival on Venezuelan soil last Friday, Mendoza felt the great reception from the authorities and fans of boxing. At the end of the week, the big event in honor of his father put the icing on the cake. The Venezuelan talent showed up in the ring with a quartet of confrontations that lifted the viewers from their chairs and offered lots of emotion and excitement.

In the first match, Michell Banquez won the WBA-Venezuela belt by winning a unanimous decision over William Riera in the Super Flyweight class. Then, Maikol Beaumont beat Luis Millan to become the winner of super bantamweight while in the third fight of the night Tony Gomez dominated Ronal Ron by split decision to become the champion in the super featherweight class. The last fight of the night, in the lightweight division was for Esneiker Correa who scored a technical knockout against Denis Castillo and won the last WBA-Venezuela title.

The WBA, led by its president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, gave recognition to several important actors among which was the National Boxing Coordinator, Elvis Sanchez, the directive of Provenbox and several legends of Venezuelan pugilism.

“The Venezuelan fighters have been an example of perseverance and struggle for me. Much of the responsibility that has led me to where I am I owe to them. I feel grateful for the reception and I want to continue working for Venezuelan boxing. My father always focused on promoting discipline in our country and my intention is to continue with the work we have carried out over the years,” said Mendoza during the intermediate acts of the fighting.

The leader of the WBA was accompanied by figures such as Rafael Orono, Leo Gamez, Carolina Alvarez, Jesus “Kiki” Rojas, David Griman, Ogleidis Suarez, and Alys Sanchez among other great luminaries of boxing in Venezuela.

Mendoza leaves Venezuela grateful and happy for the new stage that will begin in the country, where the WBA plans to put all its effort in collaboration with the local authorities to work for the sport.