The Panamanian Celestino “Pelenchín” Caballero recently announced his official retirement from boxing, after 16 years as a professional boxer and three Championships, two of those belts of the World Boxing Association.

38-year-old Caballero thanked Panama for the unconditional support they received during his career, and told the media that hopes to become a referee. “I want to work to become a referee and help boxing from that position”.

“Pelenchín” known as Caballero, leaves professional a record of 37-6, 24 KO´s, with two crowns of the WBA, Featherweight and interim and regular super bantamweight champion that later unified with the IBF version, and matched Roberto Durán as the only Panamanian to unify title.

Caballero won the interim belt by defeating Venezuelan Yober Ortega in October 2005, and made only one defense. The following year he beat the Thai Somsak Sithchatchawal by TKO 3, to win the 122 lbs regular belt that defended five times before the unification fight.

In 2008 he fought Steve Molitor in Canada and won by YKO4 to win the IBF belt.

He managed to make two successful defenses of the unified titles before changing division and lose in the first title shot with Jonathan Barros in July 2011, but in October of that same year he won in the rematch the WBA featherweight belt.

In addition, during the years 2002 – 2003, Caballero also won several regional WBA belts such as Fedecentro, Fedelatin, NABA and outstanding figure of the KO drugs Campaign where he had chance to fight before being known in the pugilistic world.

The WBA family sends its support message to former world champion, and wishes the best on his way to become a boxing referee.

Success in the new professional pat.