Gilberto Mendoza


Gilberto Mendoza was the President of the World Boxing Association, the oldest of the four major boxing organizations. He served from 1982 until stepping down in December 2015. He later served as President Emeritus until his death.

Biography

Mendoza was born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. He grew up under difficult circumstances and found success playing baseball and soccer. However, it was in boxing, where he passion lie. He was a bantamweight amateur fighter for three years, while attending college in Caracas. He moved from Venezuela to the United States, to pursue his master's degree at the University of Toledo, graduating with two.
After the death of then WBA President Rodrigo Sanchez in 1982, Mendoza became a candidate to succeed him. He prevailed over deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Athletic Commission, Bob Lee, in a 41 to 32 vote, taking office shortly after.

Death

He stepped down as President in December 2015 because of ill health. His son, Gilberto Jesús Mendoza, who had previously taken on many of the President's duties, succeeded his father. By unanimous decision, Mendoza was elected President Emeritus, serving until his death in March 2016.