Actions beyond words. 30 years of the KO Drugs  – World Boxing Association

This last edition, as part of the 30th anniversary of the KO Drugs, had an emotional closing with a donation of equipment to some gyms in the neighborhoods of Laferrere and Gonzalez Catón, located in the La Matanza district, in the western area of Greater Buenos Aires. 

Dreams require hard work, perseverance, dedication, but also the necessary tools to develop talent. That was the premise from which the WBA original program was born in 1991; The KO DRUGS. 

Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, president of the organization, shared a pleasant afternoon with the little ones. Boys and girls made manopleo with Mr. Gilberto and shared their desires with the noble art of the fists, they told him who they admire and were excited to thank the entity for being there. 

Along with Mr. Gilberto Mendoza were present former world champions such as Mariano Carrera from Argentina, Cecilia Comunales from Uruguay, Kina Malpartida from Peru, together they gave a brief motivational talk where they highlighted the value of having a dream and work for them regardless of the circumstances; it is always possible to achieve it when you do things from your heart. The event closed with a statement from the president of the pioneer organization: “I am honored to be here sharing this moment with you because this is where boxing is born. So I wish with all my heart that our contribution will help you to continue working for your dreams. 

Gilberto Jesús Mendoza, president of the entity, shared a pleasant afternoon with the little ones. Boys and girls punched mitts with Mr. Gilberto and shared their desires with the noble art of the fists, they talked about who they admire and thanked the entity for being there. 

Along with Mr. Gilberto Mendoza were present former world champions such as Mariano Carrera from Argentina, Cecilia Comunales from Uruguay, Kina Malpartida from Peru, together they gave a brief motivational talk where they highlighted the value of having a dream and work for it no matter the circumstances; it is always possible to achieve it when you do things with the heart. President Mendoza closed this moment stating, “I feel honored to be here sharing this moment with you because this is where boxing is born. So I wish with all my heart that our contribution will help you to continue working for your dreams. 

After the delivery of gloves, gauntlets, headgear, punchin bags, pouches and clothing, Mr. Gilberto Mendoza went on to present a mini World Boxing Association championship belt to trainer José Rafael Sosa who organized Sunday’s event and received the donation: “I fought three times for the world title when I was a boxer and lost all three. Today I receive my belt and I feel very grateful”, concluded the trainer with great emotion applauded by those present. 

On Saturday night, at the Casino de Buenos Aires, during the second and final day of fights, many outstanding boxing prospects performed in the ring but also Ismael Salas received his mini black and gold belt to reward his trajectory. Salas has been the corner of multiple champions in more than 150 championship fights. In 1996, the WBA named him coach of the year and 27 years later he is once again recognized for his sustained work over time. 

“After having shared a nice talk with Salas regarding today’s boxing and its methodologies and on Sunday sharing a beautiful afternoon with Rafael Sosa, whose work is very important, because it is where the seedbed is, I was moved. In those two moments I understood that no matter what level a trainer can reach, his importance is vital in the formative part and they become fundamental protagonists of our sport”, were the words of WBA President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza to conclude what has been a very important trip to Argentina with a new KO drugs. There is always a lot of work to be done and this is what the entity has proposed, so that boxing continues to be the human tool that it is.