Philippines, 15 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


WBA belatedly recognizes Panamanian "Buchi" Amaya as honorary world champion after his death


PhilBoxing.com




The World Boxing Association (WBA) has posthumously honored former Panamanian challenger Antonio "Buchi" Amaya by declaring him an honorary world champion, recognizing his legacy and contributions to boxing following his passing on January 26 in Panama.

The resolution, signed by WBA President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, highlights Amaya's significant impact on both Panamanian and global boxing. Amaya's professional career comprised 48 victories (10 by knockout), 22 defeats, and 7 draws. He is remembered for his memorable bouts against world champions such as Cuban-Mexican Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos, and Japanese fighters Hiroshi Kobayashi and Kuniaki Shibata.

The WBA extended its condolences to Amaya's family and the Panamanian boxing community, expressing hope that this belated recognition will serve as inspiration for future generations of boxers from the Central American isthmus.

The resolution was emotionally read by local historian and communicator Daniel Alonso. Family, friends, and fans bid farewell to "Buchi" Amaya in his native Colón, celebrating his legacy with applause and cheers of "There is the champion." Colón, the birthplace of other sports legends such as Teofilo "Panama" Al Brown (the first Hispanic world boxing champion and IBHOF member), Ismael "El Tigre" Laguna (Hall of Fame in basketball), Irving Saladino (Panama's only Olympic gold medalist), Pedro "El Mago" Rivas (basketball legend), Guillermo Jones (former world boxing champion), and the Dely Valdes brothers—Armando, Julio, and Jorge (international soccer players)—is often regarded as one of the most overlooked and impoverished areas in the country.

It took nearly 55 years after his fights in Japan against Hiroshi Kobayashi for the WBA super featherweight world title to bestow this well-deserved posthumous tribute upon Amaya. The 1970s marked a golden era for Panamanian boxing, led by the late General Omar Torrijos Herrera, who also significantly supported the WBA. His efforts brought Panamanians Rodrigo Colon Sanchez and Elias Córdova (President for Life) to the organization's leadership. Following Torrijos's death in 1981, numerous Panamanian leaders continued to play prominent roles within the WBA, many of whom remain active in boxing today.

In the 1980s, the Military Government implemented a pension for world champions, providing B/300.00. According to Articles 75, 76, and 77 of Executive Decree No. 599 of November 20, 2008, which regulates Law 50 of December 10, 2007 (amending Law 16 of May 3, 1995, reorganizing PANDEPORTES), and Resolution No. 16-2009-D-G-A, this amount was increased to B/500.00.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • SHANNON RYAN: I'M READY TO BRING 'KAOS' TO YORK HALL THIS WEEK
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • Nikita Tszyu Health Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 OCTOBER 2025: Ennis Wipes Out Lima; Vianello Defeats Barriere; Makhmudov Outpoits Allen
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Omar Juarez Set for Homecoming Clash Against Omar Rosario on October 18 i
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • BLAZEN ROCILI, THE 6’3” FILIPINO GIANT, SCORES DOMINANT 2ND-ROUND TKO OVER ORLANDO SALGADO IN AURORA, COLORADO
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • YORK HALL FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE CONFIRMED AS KIERON CONWAY VOWS TO TEACH 'OVER CONFIDENT' RIVAL GEORGE LIDDARD A LESSON
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Pedro Veitia Set to Face Fellow Unbeaten Xavier Ceron on October 18 in Texas, Live on DAZN
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Jesse Espinas Victorious, New IBF Asia Champion
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Naseem Hamed Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Kiddie Chess Tournament Goes to Farmers Plaza
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Manny Pacquiao vs. Rolly Romero in January 2026? Boxing Legend Eyes One More Run at Glory
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • 11 martial arts in BP 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • NM Medina beats Slovak GM, draws with FM Castellano to win the 8th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • “The Wonder Boy” Carl Jammes Martin Ready to Shine October 29 at the 50th Anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 19: JOE FRAZIER FIGHTS ALI, QUARRY AND ELLIS AGAIN
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Berchelt captures "Reynosa" WBC commemorative belt after triumphant return
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Supeyia Fights Mamdouh in Brico Santig’s Thailand Show; Elmo Traya and Raymond Yanong Also in Action Oct 25 LIVE on TrillerTV
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • PIJUS LABUTIS MAKES HISTORY WITH MAIDEN MATCHROOM MAJOR TRIUMPH IN HANOI
    , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV DEFEATS DAVE ALLEN AND DEMANDS TO FACE AJ NEXT
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Domingo faces Fajardo in Thrilla in Manila 2 Countdown
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Doroma-Aranas 2 on October 13
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FOR FISTS OF FURY 8, TOMORROW NIGHT AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Alvin Camique Busts the "Mafia" in Tanzania!!!
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • DAY FOUR: NEUHAUSEN, CAPITO, VERGARA AND LABUTIS CHARGE INTO SEMI-FINALS IN HANOI
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • RED OWL BOXING BOXFEST XVI LIVE ON DAZN RESULTS: DEONTE BROWN DEFEATS GRIMARDI MACHUCA
    , Sat, 11 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.