The World Boxing Association (WBA), through its president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, carried out an award ceremony in Houston, Texas, with super welterweight super champion Jermell Charlo and flyweight champion Marlen Esparza as protagonists. 

Different personalities such as manager Tyson Lee, trainer Ronnie Shields and former fighter Juan Diaz also attended the ceremony and received recognition for their careers from Mendoza and directors Julio Thyme and Oliver Gomez, who accompanied the president. 

The WBA presented a special Super Champion belt to Jermell Charlo, as well as a ring from the pioneer organization in recognition for his career and for his recent victory over Castaño, which ratified him as the best in the world at 154 pounds. 

Marlen Esparza also received her WBA championship belt. The Houston native was recognized by President Mendoza for her victory over Naoko Fujioka last April.

For his part, Tyson Lee was awarded a WBA mini belt for the work he has done in amateur boxing throughout the United States over the years. The USA Boxing board chairman thanked the pioneering organization for the gesture in a short thank you speech. 

Trainer Ronnie Shields was also honored for his work alongside great professional boxers and for the great accomplishments he has achieved in his career.

Juan Diaz, former WBA champion and one of the great fighters Houston has produced in recent years, received a belt from the hands of President Mendoza in recognition of his career and thanks for having represented the black and gold colors with pride. 

The WBA thanks the city of Houston and all its fighters, trainers and leaders for welcoming the pioneering body and for developing boxing in the city.