WBA Convention in Panama on December 13-19

“December 19 will be devoted to the KO Drugs campaign, which is of fundamental importance.” (Photo: Courtesy) — “December 19 will be devoted to the KO Drugs campaign,” said Mendoza. “It is of fundamental importance.” (Photo: Courtesy)

At yesterday’s press conference at Talingo restaurant in the Multicentro Mall in Panama City, Panama, WBA Executive Vice President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, legendary Panamanian Hall of Famer Roberto Duran, and promoter Rogelio Espiño announced that the WBA will hold its 94th Annual Convention from December 13 to 19 in Panama City, Panama, in conjunction with the WBA KO Drugs Boxing Festival, Promociones del Istmo, and the Panamanian Tourism Authority.

It was also announced that Luis “El Nica” Concepcion (33-4), who won the interim WBA World super flyweight title last month, will defend his crown during Convention week for the first time against an opponent to be determined.

On the same fight card, Panamanian super featherweight contender Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales (18-1) will fight for a second sanctioned version of the WBA interim super featherweight title on the same card. Possible opponents include former world champion Bryan “Tiquito” Vazquez (34-2), from San Jose, Costa Rica, and currently ranked #3 by the WBA, or another up-and-coming contender. The victor will face the winner of the October 24 bout between the current interim WBA super featherweight champion Emanuel “Polo” Lopez (19-4-1) and Miguel “Mickey” Roman (52-11) to determine the absolute interim WBA super featherweight champion.

Representatives from over 100 countries including officials, judges, promoters, international press, champions and former world champions are expected to attend, including WBA Super World middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin, WBC World flyweight champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, WBA Super heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and his brother Vitali, who is presently mayor of Kiev, capital of Ukraine, former WBA World welterweight champion Marcos Maidana, and many more.

“The dates for the Convention will be from December 13 to 18 at the Westin Playa Bonita Hotel in Panama,” Mendoza told those in attendance, “and December 19 will be devoted to the KO Drugs campaign, again in Panama. For me, the KO Drugs campaign is of fundamental importance.”

Returning to the subject of the upcoming Convention, Mendoza said that he and his team have created a template which includes “a business model specifically aimed at boxing. Another group will work women’s boxing. A third group with examine scientific and medical advances as they relate to boxing, analyzing the weaknesses and strengths of our great sport.”

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.