The WBA is mourning the death of Humberto “Beto” Perdomo.

One of the most popular sportscasters in Venezuela, Beto passed away last week in Caracas.

He was diagnosed several months ago with lung cancer and was hospitalized on April 18 at the Hospital de Clinicas Caracas.

He fought the good fight until the end.

A much loved figure in broadcasting circles, Beto had a voice to remember. It rang with a fan’s enthusiasm. It was also energetic and informed.

Beto Perdomo specialized in baseball, but boxing ran a close second.

The author of several memorable phrases, the best-known of which is “this is ugly, friends, very ugly,” he spent 40 years in radio and television.

“My name is Humberto,” he said, “but Juan Vene changed my long name for the shorter Beto. Humberto occupied too much space in the television credits. I did not like the name in those days because it was the same nickname of a comic on TV. But I said nothing and I stayed.”

A second regret

The World Boxing Association also wishes to express its solidarity with the great Puerto Rican former world champion Victor “Luvi” Calleja, who lost his father on April 27.

Luvi is a member of the WBA family and serves as director of the Comprehensive Development and Boxer Security Committee.

We send our prayers during this difficult time to a man of irreproachable ethical values who has lost his father.

Peace to his soul.

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.