The World Boxing Association (WBA) published its January ranking with all the changes corresponding to the first month of the year and its awards. Venezuelan Roger Gutierrez won the Boxer of the Month award, while American Raeese Aleem won the Honorable Mention.

Gutiérrez became the new super featherweight champion after defeating Nicaraguan René Alvarado on January 2 in Dallas, Texas. The Maracaibo native snatched the title from the Central American after knocking him down three times in the fight to win a close 114-113 unanimous decision on all three judges’ scorecards.

The new 130 lbs. champion had a great preparation marked by the death of his mother but he overcame to win the crown and dedicated his victory to his mother.

For his part, Raeese Aleem had a great performance on January 23 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, where he defeated the previously undefeated Vic Pasillas by technical knockout in the tenth round and won the WBA interim super bantamweight belt. Aleem proved that he is one of the most interesting fighters at 122 and that he is ready to face the best.

In addition to the monthly awards, the January rankings lists are available on the WBA official website: