The World Boxing Association (WBA) mourns the departure of our friend and member, Francisco Martínez, who had been struggling with various health complications in recent days.

Martínez was one of the most honorable members of the WBA and a man who knew how to reach remote places in favor of boxing and the pioneer organization. 

He began in 1994 working as a judge with PABA, and his formal start with the WBA was in 2001. He was a precise and meticulous judge, and he also worked as a supervisor in more than 60 fights and occasionally as referee. 

Born in Paraguay in 1949, he had a great career in boxing and later became a New Zealander. Those links in that country were key to his position as Director of WBA Oceania, a position he held since its creation in 2014 and in which he did a great job bringing titles to those lands and giving opportunities to young and talented fighters who have aspirations to reach the top of world boxing. 

Francisco was a happy man, willing to teach, and always had a sense of unity to achieve the goals of our organization. Your WBA family will miss your kindness, personality and the knowledge you always provided.

To Francisco’s family, we send our words of strength and condolences in these difficult moments. Rest in peace, friend.