The World Boxing Association (WBA) family gathered this Wednesday morning in a mass to the memory of WBA Emeritus President Gilberto Mendoza.
Maracay, in Venezuela was a very special city for Mendoza, where he lived great part of his life, that was the reason it was chosen to host this act. It’s been 4 years since his departure, and the Nuesta Señora de la Asunción Cathedral in the San Jacinto sector hosted the tribute to a great man who gave it all for boxing and for the fighters.
Managers, promoters, coaches and boxers joined Mendoza’s family and close friends, and especially his wife Elena de Mendoza. The occasion helped to remember all what Mendoza did in life and the legacy not only in the sport sector, but also un the humanistic side, he was an example for the ones who met him, and he still continues a reference in values, honesty and solidarity.
Among the attendees to the mass there were several of the fighters whom Mendoza helped and fueled to be better day after day and to reach their goals, and among them it stands out Venezuelan Jorge Linares, who had some words for the Emeritus President Mendoza.
“He left an immense legacy, he was like a father to me, he was the one who took me to Japan. He is really being missed. I keep many memories of him, I have beautiful pictures of him meeting my daughter of just weeks, there are many feelings. Each time I go up to fight, I ask for his blessing because I know that he is watching us” declared Linares.
Another world champion present was Mayerlin Rivas, who also talked about her relationship with Mendoza, and the transcendence he had. “one day, he told me he would like me to fight at 122 pounds. He is in heaven, and I know he is happy for that title we won on February 7th. That title was dedicated to him, I always remember him, I owe him and his son that title. I will never forget it”.
The mass in Mendoza”s honor was part of the activities of the 4th edition of the festival celebrated in his honor in Venezuela. This week there will be amateur and professional boxing matches, besides of other important acts to remember his legacy and honor him.
