Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, president of the WBA, told members of the Panamanian media this Wednesday, the 27th, that former WBA super bantamweight and featherweight champ Celestino “Pelenchin” Caballero, who fought out of Panama City, has been appointed the sanctioning body’s Director of Development.
“My goal is to help the World Boxing Association and Gilberto Jesus Mendoza in finding the best way to have one champ per division,” a primary goal of the sanctioning body, said Caballero.
Mendoza also announced that Gustavo Padilla and Octavio Rodriguez, both of Panama, have been named, respectively, Secretary General and Deputy Director of the Committee of International Officials.
In addition, Mendoza said that he would travel to Managua, Nicaragua, to participate in a tribute to the legendary Alexis Arguello. While there, he’ll be presented with an award and will also accept one on behalf of Gilberto Mendoza, the WBA’s president emeritus. The WBA chief will also honor flyweight phenom Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, as well as participate in events pertaining to the sanctioning body’s KO to Drugs program.
Two days prior to the press conference, on Monday, the 25th, Mendoza met with fabled boxing promoter Don King in Mexico City, calling him the “best boxing promoter” of all time, as well as a “boxing legend.” King was equally gracious in complimenting both the current head of the WBA and his immediate predecessor, Gilberto Mendoza.
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
