On Monday 13, was launched in Panama city, the book “The president’s corner, published by Libros del Fuego (Books of Fire), gathering the best writings and speeches of Gilberto Mendoza, emeritus president of the World Boxing Association. The launching took place at a press conference attended by his widow Elena Mendoza, Roberto Duran and Hilario Zapata, glories of Panamanian boxing, former city major Juan Carlos Navarro and Gilberto Jesus Mendoza president of the World Boxing Association.
This book is a tribute to the memory of Mendoza, for whom writing was among his greatest passions. It we find his views on politics, on boxing, on the sport in general and the life itself.
“He wrote at all times, even in his last days. During 2015 convention he was in the clinic and he would ask to me: ‘Elena, give me the cell phone, I will write something or I want to send it by voice note so that they can receive it over there.’ That’s how he always was; he wrote whatever worried him it reflected in letters, even his speeches because he never gave a speech without writing it previously. That’s why I’m glad we can launch this book in honor of his legacy, “said Mendoza’s wife.
For his part Roberto Duran also had words for Mendoza: “He was a great person, he always looked after me and supported me at all times. Of course, sometimes we fought and I left the WBA and if I fought in another side then I returned. But the World Boxing Association has always been with me and I am grateful that the WBA and WBC are the two largest organizations in the world and I have been their champion. “
Meanwhile Hilario Zapata thanked Mr. Mendoza who helped him enter the Boxing Hall of Fame located in Canastota. “Thanks to Gilberto Mendoza I am immortal, because he promoted my candidacy. He took me to New York he spoke for me and last year my dream came true. Although I only regret that he did not entered with me, I thought we would both enter,“ said the former Panamanian world champion.
Juan Carlos Navarro, former Panama City mayor, stressed the importance of boxing for the country, and the good things the sport has to offer. Therefore, he highlighted Gilberto Mendoza, whom he considers his friend, because the WBA president emeritus was a person who cared about and helped boxers and always showed a great appreciation for the Panamanian.
Mendoza closed the ceremony, thanking all the WBA directorate members, special guests and sports press for mentioning his father in their media.
“My dad did a little bit of everything and, writing was one of them. We wanted to present his autobiography together with this book, because he always said ‘I don’t want anyone telling stories about me!’ And here we are. We do not present his autobiography or his body, but ‘The President’s Corner’ reflects his vision of life in the aspects he loved most: politics, boxing and sport,” said Mendoza.
After these words he uncorked the champagne and Mrs. Elena de Mendoza “baptized” the book which is yet another proof that Don Gilberto Mendoza continues with us.
The President’s corner will be for sell in Venezuela next week and will be soon available in Panama.
