Dmitry Bivol received the award of Boxer of the Year during the gala dinner that took place on Monday on the second day of the Centennial Convention of the World Boxing Association (WBA). A star-studded dinner closed the day at the pioneering body’s event and featured Bivol’s nomination as the main event.

The World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight Super Champion received the award from WBA President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza at the final part of the gala that honored several of the world’s best in their respective fields. 

Bivol thanked the WBA for recognizing his great year 2022, which began with a victory over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez last May, and continued with a victory over Gilberto Ramirez in November. 

The gala was a celebration of boxing and began with recognition of various members of the press and media, including Argentina’s Osvaldo Príncipi, ESPN Knock-Out and photographers Tom Hogan and Damon Gonzalez.

Different figures such as Franchón Crews Dezurn, Hyun Mi Choi, Fernando Vargas, David Morrell, Jackie Calvo, William Zepeda, Marcos Maidana, Sergio Martínez, Ronald Wright, among others, received recognition for their performance. There was a special tribute to legend Jackie Nava and special belts were also awarded to Miguel Cotto, Evander Holyfield and Bernard Hopkins.

Mendoza also wanted to present an award to Jake Paul, special guest of the convention, with a belt. The president clarified that he gave it to him as motivation for him to continue developing his facets as a fighter and promoter. Paul thanked the President for the gesture and assured that his intention is to win the belt in the ring and that he is working hard for it.

The Centennial Convention will continue with its activity in the following days, when the medical seminars, judges and referees seminars, as well as other important talks and activities will be held.