Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, president of the World Boxing Association (WBA), has revealed that his organization is in the process of moving its main office to the United States.
The sanctioning body, which has been headquartered in Panama in recent years, will now have its main office in the city of Houston, Texas.
The WBA will join the IBF and IBO as known sanctioning organizations who have their head offices located in America. The WBC’s main office is located in Mexico, while the WBO’s headquarters is based in Puerto Rico.
“After 100 years, the pioneer sanctioning body, shall be back in America,” said WBA President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza to Fight News. “It’s the right time to settle back in the most influential boxing market of the sport.
“Besides seeking to bond with every single member of the American boxing community, we come to support the systematic development of boxing. It needs to be from its roots. USA has talent in every corner and boxing has proven to be a path of success for many athletes.
“The headquarters will be in the city of Houston, Texas. A great sports town that witnessed great human beings and champions of the world. Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz and Jermell Charlo were motivation to choose the Space City as the WBA’s new hometown.”