At a special event Thursday afternoon in Managua, Nicaragua, Deputy Mayor Enrique Armas honored Gilberto Mendoza and his son, Gilberto Jesus Mendoza Jr., by giving them the Alexis Arguello Sports Merit award.
Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, the newly elected WBA president, was present to receive the award. His father was unable to attend the ceremony due to ongoing health concerns.
“What I am feeling is difficult to express,” said Gilbertico, “because I remember everything I lived with my father here in Nicaragua, as well as the things I lived with Alexis. One of them is in heaven. The other, while fighting to survive, may soon join him. So for me to be honored in this way, in my first presidential term, no less, is without a doubt one of the nicest things that has ever happened to me in my life.”
For his part, Deputy Mayor Enrique Armas expressed his gratitude to the WBA for its unending support of Nicaraguan fighters.
“The Mendozas have had a very special relationship with Nicaragua and the Nicaraguan people,” he said. “They have not only helped professional and amateur boxing. They have also always stood by Alexis Arguello, our great champion and national hero. It’s an honor for me to thank them with this award for all they have done for our country.”
Before the end of the event, Gilberto Jesus Mendoza gave Enrique Armas a WBA medal for his continued support and passion for boxing, as a politician, and as a journalist and amateur boxer.
Gilberto Jesus Mendoza also awarded a WBA medal to the family of Alexis Arguello, the all-time great featherweight, super featherweight, and lightweight champion.
“It is a great honor for me and my family to receive this recognition by the WBA,” said Guillermo Arguello, brother of the former titleholder. “The WBA supported my brother as he worked to become champion of the world, and they continue to do so with new gladiators that are following in his footsteps. We wish to thank Mr. Gilberto Jesus Mendoza for this medal and award, which I do not think we deserve, but which we accept with pride.”
Sr. Mendoza said the least he could do to honor “El Flaco Explosivo” (“The Explosive Thin Man”) was to recognize Alexis’ remarkable journey through his wonderful family.
“Alexis was a giant,” said Mendoza, “a man who gave everything inside and outside the ring. Giving this WBA medal to his family is a small gesture compared to the legacy of Alexis Arguello.”
Before leaving Nicaragua and returning to Panama, on Friday Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, visited the grave and monument devoted to the career and legacy of Alexis Arguello.
“Being here brings to mind the humility of ‘El Flaco Explosivo,’” said Mendoza. “I could never have lived his sporting career, but I got to know him at his peak as he matured, when he was able to make decisions in a more measured way. Without the impetus of youth, he was able to teach me things I have never forgotten.”
Guillermo Arguello was present and seconded that emotion.
“I feel the same way,” he said. “There is always love and good memories whenever I think of my brother Alexis. I will always miss him.”
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.
